The Oaks

On this page

• Overview
• Shared direction and culture
• Capable, compassionate and inclusive leaders
• Freedom to speak up
• Workforce equality, diversity and inclusion
• Governance, management and sustainability
• Partnerships and communities
• Learning, improvement and innovation

Well-led – this means we looked for evidence that service leadership, management and governance assured high-quality, person-centred care; supported learning and innovation; and promoted an open, fair culture.

At our last assessment we rated this key question good. At this assessment the rating has remained goodThis meant the service was consistently managed and well-led. Leaders and the culture they created promoted high-quality, person-centred care.

This service scored 75 (out of 100) for this area. Find out what we look at when we assess this area and How we calculate these scores.

The provider had a shared vision, strategy and culture. This was based on transparency, equity, equality and human rights, diversity and inclusion, engagement, and understanding challenges and the needs of people and their communities.

Staff understood the values and objectives of the service, and these were consistently demonstrated in practice. A member of staff said, “I enjoy working here, we have good values, and we try and ensure it’s a friendly environment for everyone.” We observed staff to be kind, compassionate and sensitive.

The provider had inclusive leaders at all levels who understood the context in which they delivered care, treatment and support and embodied the culture and values of their workforce and organisation.

Leaders had the skills, knowledge, experience and credibility to lead effectively. They did so with integrity, openness and honesty. Leaders were visible, approachable, and demonstrated knowledge of learning disability and autism best practice. Staff described leaders as supportive and values driven. We observed positive interactions between management, staff and people.

The provider fostered a positive culture where people felt they could speak up and their voice would be heard.

There was a positive culture which encouraged people and staff to speak up. Concerns were listened to, acted upon, and used to improve the service. Reviews, day to day discussions and feedback questionnaires provided people and relatives with opportunities to share their views and experiences.

The provider valued diversity in their workforce. They worked towards an inclusive and fair culture by improving equality and equity for people who worked for them.

The home promoted diversity and inclusion within its workforce. We observed staff and people were supported equality, fair treatment, and reasonable adjustments for staff from all backgrounds. This inclusive culture helped staff deliver personalised care with respect and understanding.

The provider had clear responsibilities, roles, systems of accountability and good governance. They used these to manage and deliver good quality, sustainable care, treatment and support. They acted on the best information about risk, performance and outcomes, and shared this securely with others when appropriate.

Governance systems ensured high-quality, safe care. Audits, reports, supervision structures, and improvement plans remained embedded in daily practice. Leaders used data, people’s feedback, and national best practice guidance to refine care pathways continuously. Joint work with external agencies supported safeguarding, risk management, and community integration.

The provider understood their duty to collaborate and work in partnership, so services worked seamlessly for people.

The service worked collaboratively with partners and the local community, ensuring joined-up care and sharing learning to improve outcomes. These arrangements improved continuity of care and treatment for people.

The provider focused on continuous learning, innovation and improvement across the organisation and local system.

They encouraged creative ways of delivering equality of experience, outcome and quality of life for people. They actively contributed to safe, effective practice and research. Staff were encouraged to engage in continuous learning, improvement, and innovation. A member of staff said, “I was unsure about something and after I spoke with the manager it was all sorted and now I am happy”.