- Care home
Friars Mead
We served a warning notice on Abbeyfield Hertfordshire Residential Care Society Limited on 31 March 2026 for failing to meet the regulation related to good governance at Friars Mead.
Assessment report published 11 June 2026
Contents
Ratings
Our view of the service
Friars Mead is a care home. It provides accommodation with personal care for up to 27 people across 2 floors. At this inspection 15 people were living at the service. Inspection activity took place between 26 February 2026 and 31 March 2026. We visited the service on 26 February 2026 and 11 March 2026. This was an unannounced inspection completed by 2 inspectors and 1 expert by experience. We received feedback from 14 people, 11 relatives, 26 staff and 4 professionals. We found the service was in breach of regulations in relation to recruitment, consent, and governance.
The provider had not ensured there was an open, transparent culture. The manager had not reported incidents and safeguarding concerns to external organisations and safe recruitment procedures were not always followed. People’s risk assessments did not always include clear guidance for staff and mental capacity assessments were not completed.
People’s needs were assessed to include their physical and mental health needs. People’s feedback about food was positive. However, we found the mealtime experience was task-focused and monitoring charts were not used for people at risk of low food and drink intake.
People received care from kind staff by who treated them as individuals and supported them to maintain their independence.
Staff supported people with meaningful activities tailored to their interests and encouraged independence. Staff supported people to access healthcare, with regular input from GPs and other professionals.
The provider had not ensured there were effective governance processes. Incidents, safeguarding concerns and complaints were not collated for analysis. Their audit process had not identified all the issues we found.
Staff described a supportive environment and positive relationships with managers.
Partnership working with visiting professionals was positive. The provider had invested in modernising systems, and the manager had introduced electronic care records and planned further improvements.
In instances where CQC has begun a process of regulatory action, we may publish this information on our website after any representations and/or appeals have been concluded, if the action has been taken forward.
People's experience of this service
People were supported by staff who understood their needs. Their records included information to guide staff to support with their physical and mental health needs as well as information about their backgrounds and social interests.
People were supported by enough staff with appropriate training. We observed warm interactions, and people told us they were treated with kindness.
People told us staff sought consent before offering support.
Staff responded promptly when people needed help, including when call bells were used, and relatives felt staff were attentive and checked on people regularly.
People’s end of life care wishes were included in their records.
People and relatives were happy with how the home was managed.
People felt able to give feedback through meetings and told us they would speak with the manager if they had any concerns.