6 November 2013
During an inspection in response to concerns
We conducted this inspection after learning that Local Solutions Manchester Branch was closing in December 2013. Our main purpose was to check that arrangements were being made to ensure that people using the service would continue to receive care and that there would be minimum distress and inconvenience caused by the transfer of their care to new providers.
We talked with senior managers at the service who reassured us that all possible steps were being taken to ensure a smooth handover to new providers. Most of the staff were likely to be transferred to the new providers, and it was hoped that many of the people using the service would continue to receive care from the same care workers.
We talked with the staff about a number of safeguarding issues over recent months. Some of these had resulted in disciplinary action against the staff involved. We found that Local Solutions had co-operated with the investigations of the local authorities. We also found that staff were trained in safeguarding issues.
We found that Local Solutions had completed all necessary stages in the recruitment of staff, and that staff were suitable and well-qualified for their work.