- Homecare service
Smarta Services Ltd
Assessment report published 9 June 2026
Contents
Ratings
Our view of the service
Date of Assessment: 13 April 05 May 2026. We carried out this assessment after reviewing the information we held about the service. Smarta Services Ltd provides care and support to people living in their own homes. This was the first inspection since the provider registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in February 2023.
The service supports older people and people with physical disabilities, dementia and mental health conditions. Not everyone using the service received the regulated activity of personal care. At the time of the assessment, the provider supported 23 people. We assessed all 33 quality statements across the five key questions.
During the assessment, we identified 3 breaches of regulations. In relation to, safe care and treatment, good governance, and the provider’s failure to submit required notifications to CQC. Medicines were not always managed safely, care records were not always comprehensive, and staff did not consistently identify risks. Assessments relating to risks lacked sufficient detail and accuracy to support staff to keep people safe, including information held in people’s homes about managing fire safety and diabetes. The provider’s quality monitoring systems were not robust enough to ensure they identified and addressed shortfalls promptly. Ineffective governance arrangements contributed to these breaches.
The provider generally followed safe recruitment processes, and staff completed some training relevant to their roles. However, we identified gaps in training, including diabetes and dementia care. Staff told us they treated people equally and without discrimination. The provider had systems in place for people to raise concerns or complaints.
Medicines records did not follow best practice for ‘as required’ medicines or the application of topical creams. Information held in people’s homes about managing fire risks also required improvement. Staff told us they felt supported and received supervision and attended team meetings to discuss peoples care needs. People had choice and control and staff involved them in planning their care. Staff treated people with kindness and demonstrated a good understanding of their needs. There were enough staff to meet people's needs. A culture of kindness, inclusion, and respect was promoted within the service which supported person-centred care.
We asked the provider to submit an action plan outlining how they will address the concerns identified during this assessment.
People's experience of this service
We spoke with 10 people and their relatives, either in person or by telephone, to gather feedback about the care provided. People gave positive feedback about the quality of their care and treatment. They told us they felt safe and were satisfied with the care they received. People said there were enough staff to support them; however, some reported staff occasionally arrived late for calls. People confirmed staff treated them with dignity and respect and felt confident raising concerns.
People shared the following comments: “My mother feels safe with her carers. They are well trained. She uses a hoist and staff always work in pairs and wait for each other before starting.” Another person said, “I feel completely safe with them and have no complaints. They are excellent and better than my last agency.” One person told us, “They are kind to me. I had an issue with medicines being given too early, but staff resolved this quickly.” Others said, “They always ask for consent and treat her respectfully” and “We were involved in developing the care plan. Staff were attentive when setting it up and arranging visits. It is reviewed when needed. We have a very good relationship with the carers.”
Most people told us they were very happy with the care provided. They said the registered manager was approachable, helpful and easy to communicate with. Comments included: “If we have any concerns, management deals with them quickly and effectively. We would recommend the service. They have been a lifesaver for us,” “We are very happy with this agency and would recommend them,” and “The manager is willing to go above and beyond to help. Communication is very good.”