The Care Advantage

On this page

• Overview
• Learning culture
• Safe systems, pathways and transitions
• Safeguarding
• Involving people to manage risks
• Safe environments
• Safe and effective staffing
• Infection prevention and control
• Medicines optimisation

Safe – this means we looked for evidence that people were protected from abuse and avoidable harm.

This is the first assessment for this newly registered service. This key question has been rated Good

This meant people were safe and protected from avoidable harm.

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 proactive and positive culture of safety, based on openness and honesty. Staff listened to concerns about safety and investigated and reported safety events. Lessons were learnt to continually identify and embed good practice.

A relative reported that they felt the service genuinely listened to concerns that was raised to them, with clear evidence and feedback of the learning and improvement that had been taken. “As a family member my input is always taken seriously.”

The provider had a system in place to record details of logged accidents and incidents when they occurred. The operations manager told us, these systems were designed to facilitate an analysis of such events by senior staff, with the aim of identifying recurring patterns, root causes, and contributing factors. This proactive approach enabled the organisation to develop targeted strategies for risk mitigation and improve overall safety standards. The provider ensured that all relevant documentation was kept up to date, allowing for efficient tracking and review of incidents over time.

The assistant manager also told us, findings from these analyses would be routinely shared with the staff team, which would help with the continuous learning and enhance operational practices. Regular feedback sessions were also held to discuss lessons learned and to implement any necessary changes swiftly, supporting a culture of openness and accountability. “We held regular staff meeting to discuss, any concerns and how we can help develop the service.”

Staff told us that during staff meeting and supervisions they had the opportunity to share any concerns or ideas that they may have to help develop the service or to lower the risk of incident from happing A staff said, “Accidents and near misses are discussed in team meetings andhandovers to identify what went wrong and how we can prevent it from happening again.”

The provider worked with people and healthcare partners to establish and maintain safe systems of care, in which safety was managed or monitored. They made sure there was continuity of care, including when people moved between different services.

The registered manager told us that the service had established procedures to gather essential information throughout the pre-assessment stage. For instance, completed assessments demonstrated that the service was able to provide safe support for person, this approach helped consider a person’s needs and safety requirements before they were supported by the service.

The assistant manager explained that “During the assessment phase, they not only gather information by speaking with the person or their family members but also conduct observations and include the staff who will be providing support.” This approach helped ensure that all crucial details are collected and that the most suitable staff member is selected to deliver care and support to the individual person.

Once the initial assessments were completed, the senior management team worked with staff to develop detailed care plans and risk assessments for each person. These documents were tailored to reflect the unique needs, preferences, and potential risks associated with the person’s care. One staff told us,” I start by reading the care plan, risk assessments, routines and communication guidance, Then I get to know the person by spending time with them and observing them. I pay attention to what makes the person feel safe, what they enjoy, what upsets them, and how they communicate. With I noticed that are becoming dysregulated, there are usually signs first, such as increased intensity around preferred items or frustration when They cannot get what they want. Knowing those early signs helps me support to support the person before things escalate.”

The provider worked with people and healthcare partners to understand what being safe meant to them and the best way to achieve that. Staff concentrated on improving people’s lives while protecting their right to live in safety, free from bullying, harassment, abuse, discrimination, avoidable harm and neglect. The provider shared concerns quickly and appropriately.

During our assessment, a relative informed us that they had access to safeguarding information, and it was given to them before the service began providing support. They felt staff helped kept people safe. One relative said, “I feel my family member is safe with the carer, who is calm, patient, and attentive to their needs without rushing them.”

The provider developed systems and processes within the organisation to effectively safeguard people from the risk of abuse or neglect. These systems included robust policies and procedures, which clearly delineate the steps to be taken for identifying, reporting, and responding to any concerns regarding abuse.

Management is aware of their duties to safeguard individuals. They conducted spot checks which helped ensure that care aligns with plans and risk assessments, ensuring staff provide safe support. The assistant manager told us “As part of the visit we test staffs’ knowledge and understanding on what action staff need to take to keep the person safe. “

Staff told us that they received safeguarding training both during their initial induction and as part of regular professional development sessions. This ongoing approach ensures that all staff remain well-informed about safeguarding policies and procedures, helping to maintain a safe environment for everyone. A staff said, I have received safeguarding training, this training has shown me the correct why to report concerns. For an example, I would report it straight away to my manager and follow safeguarding procedures. If urgent, I would ensure the person is safe and escalate immediately.”

The provider worked with people to understand and manage risks by thinking holistically. Staff provided care to meet people’s needs that was safe, supportive and enabled people to do the things that mattered to them.

The provider adopted a person-centred, proactive, and inclusive approach to risk management. By engaging with people and their families and carrying out regular reviews, they ensured that everyone remained involved in the decision-making process. This approach helped not only minimise incidents but also supported people to lead fulfilling and enjoyable lives. For example, we saw that these included risks relating to falls, trip hazards, and using the community.

After risk assessments had been completed, the findings were used to develop care plans. These plans were detailed with clear strategies and support required to manage identified risks, aligning with the person's needs and routines. By incorporating individual preferences and medical histories, the care plans supported both safety and wellbeing. Regular reviews ensured that the care plan remained relevant, and adjustments were made as necessary, especially as circumstances changed or new information emerged.

Staff reported that they actively participated in the process of completing risk assessments. One staff said, “in staff meetings and supervisions we are asked to support with [people’s risk assessment. I would also inform the manager if there were any changers the person’s risks, so the information is updated.

The provider detected and controlled potential risks in the care environment. They made sure equipment, facilities and technology supported the delivery of safe care.

Leaders conducted assessments of people’s living environments as part of the initial evaluation process. The primary aim of these assessments was to identify potential hazards and implement suitable strategies to reduce risks, ensuring that there was a safe environment for all involved. These proactive measures helped to foster a secure setting, allowing staff to deliver care with confidence and promoting the wellbeing of those receiving support.

Relatives confirmed that they were actively engaged in the risk assessment process, which helped to ensure the safety of both their loved one and the staff members attending the care visit. A relative told us, “I am always involved in discussions about his care, and they keep me informed. The manager has given me copies of all written information such as risk assessment and care plans; I also have to opportunity to add information if I wish to.”

Staff members underwent training in health and safety, as well as fire safety procedures. The assistant manager told us that, if it was identified that a person needed equipment such smoke alarms or fire-retardant blankets, they would advise the person or support them to contact the fire service.

The provider made sure there were enough qualified, skilled and experienced staff, who received effective support, supervision and development. They worked together well to provide safe care that met people’s individual needs.

The provider ensured that staff recruitment process was followed the procedures, including comprehensive pre-employment screening before individuals started their roles. Personnel records were organised and thorough, containing completed application forms, identification documents, references, health assessments, and criminal background checks. These checks helped safeguard people by preventing individuals who were barred from working with vulnerable people from gaining employment.

The provider ensured that staff employed were qualified, skilled, and experienced. Staff were supported through effective supervision and opportunities for professional development, encouraging a collaborative environment that prioritised safe and individualised care.

It was evident that staff underwent comprehensive training in several essential areas, enabling them to provide effective support whilst upholding robust safety standards. The training covered topics such as adult safeguarding, infection prevention, risk assessment, techniques to assist individuals in managing anxiety.

The provider assessed and managed the risk of infection. They detected and controlled the risk of it spreading and shared concerns with appropriate agencies promptly.

Staff had access to hand gels and protective clothing such as aprons and gloves and wore these at appropriate times. The provider had processes in place which staff followed if there was an outbreak of an infection. In addition, regular training sessions on infection control were provided to ensure staff remained up to date with best practices. This proactive approach helped minimise risks and supported safe care delivery for all individuals receiving support.

The provider conducted infection control audits to observe and assess staff performance, this included spot checks to peoples’ home. These audits were designed to ensure that appropriate infection prevention and control measures were consistently implemented in daily routines. Staff members were observed following established protocols, which contributed to the overall safety and wellbeing of people who used the service.

The provider made sure that medicines and treatments were safe and met people’s needs, capacities and preferences. Staff involved people in planning, including when changes happened.

At the time of our assessment the provider was not supporting people to manager their medicine. However, we saw that the service had systems in place to support people with their medicine if required this included, training for staff and polices for staff to follow.

Prior to staff administering medicines to people, they received an assessment by senior staff. This process ensures that all staff demonstrate competence and understanding of the relevant procedures.

The management team also understood their roles and responsibility regarding STOMP, which stands for Stopping Over Medication of People with a Learning Disability and Autistic People. They were aware of the importance of ensuring that medicines are only prescribed when it was necessary, and that regular reviews are conducted to support the wellbeing of people affected by this initiative.