Coquet Trust

Updated 26 June 2025

We carried out an assessment of Coquet Trust’s outreach service between 9 October 2025 and 7 November 2025. We had telephone conversations with people and relatives on 13 October 2025 and then reviewed information remotely. The inspection was carried out to check the provider was meeting the needs of people with a learning disability and autistic people, in line with the principles of Right support, right care, right culture. Coquet Trust provides outreach support and supported living services for adults with complex needs, including profound and mild learning disabilities, autism, and physical health conditions. People receiving outreach support lived in their own homes with tailored support arrangements.

The service was exceptionally well-led. Leadership was open, inclusive, and committed to continuous improvement. Senior managers promoted a learning culture, with robust governance systems and regular audits covering safety, medication, and quality of life. Initiatives such as Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) and Person Centred Active Support (PCAS) were embedded and used to improve people’s wellbeing and safety. Robust quality assurance was used to identify areas for improvement and learn lessons. The provider was investing in new technology and innovation.

Although relatives commented there had been frequent staff changes and the use of agency staff, there were enough staff available to meet people’s needs. New staff were recruited safely.

Support plans included detailed risk assessments, health action plans, and positive behaviour support strategies to promote independence, safety, and wellbeing.

The service prioritised safety through robust care planning and risk management. Medicines were managed safely. Care plans and health action plans were comprehensive and regularly reviewed. Staff completed the training they needed, including for those people with more complex health needs. People were supported to have enough to eat and drink in line with their needs and preferences.

Updated 26 June 2025

People and their relatives had positive experiences of the care and support. They said staff were kind, helpful, and supported them to live good lives in the community. People told us they felt safe and staff understood their needs. One person said, “I have been with the organisation years. Staff help me every day, I feel safe with them.” People were supported to take part in activities they enjoyed, such as going to football matches, shopping, swimming, and attending social events. Staff helped people with daily living tasks, including cooking and personal care, and were described as respectful and cheerful. People and relatives felt staff were caring and treated people with dignity. They said staff listened and were interested in what mattered to people. One relative told us, “They speak kindly to [family member] and have a laugh.” Another said, “Staff know [family member’s] moods and calm them down.” People said they could talk to staff and raise concerns if needed. Families reported staff and managers were approachable and responsive, keeping them informed and consulting them about care plans.