During an assessment under our new approach
Date of Assessment: From 1 April to 1 May 2026.
Cumbria Supported Living provides personal care and support to people with a learning disability and autism. The provider supported people at 6 locations across Cumbria. At the time of the assessment, 16 people were receiving personal care. The provider was also registered to provide care to children. However, there was no one requiring these services at the time of the assessment.
People resided in their own personal community-based accommodation which promoted independence, ownership and belonging, in line with the principles and values of ‘Right Support, right care, right culture’ guidance.
This was the first assessment of the service since its registration with the CQC in June 2023.
We assessed the service against ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ guidance to make judgements about whether the provider guaranteed people with a learning disability and autism, respect, equality, dignity, choices, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted. The service demonstrated practice which reflected the principles of this guidance.
People were safe and protected from avoidable harm. There was a thorough and bespoke pre-admission procedure to ensure safe transition into the service. There were enough trained and competent staff to meet people’s needs. Some minor medicines issues were identified and promptly resolved during the visit. These was an established process for reporting incidents, undertaking investigations and to identify learning.
Staff engaged with people, families and multi-disciplinary colleagues (MDT) to fully assess care and support needs, consider risks and develop holistic plans to meet goals and objectives. Staff worked collaboratively to support people to gain independence, live healthier lives and improve outcomes. Staff respected people’s rights and choices and supported people to make informed decisions.
People received care and support which was kind, sensitive and respectful. Staff encouraged people to grow, develop their independence and confidence, and engage in things of interest. People’s choices, personal routines and preferences were respected. The provider prioritised wellbeing which really made a difference to staff working in the service. Staff helped one another during challenging times and were committed to deliver positive outcomes for people.
The service demonstrated a person-centred approach and people had individual care and support plans. Staff ensured people could access care, support and treatment they needed through established and accessible pathways. The provider was giving more consideration to better improve their work around end-of-life support. The service had information in accessible formats such as easy read and pictorial documents to address potential inequalities, inform people and assist understanding. Staff used different communication aids to support people to communicate more effectively.
There was a positive and inclusive culture supported by managers who cared about the service they provided to people and their staff. Managers led with passion, empathy and motivated their staff to make a real difference to people they cared for and supported. Staff were comfortable speaking up and there was a real desire to learn. Governance and assurance processes were well established with the overall aim to recognise good practice, identify any areas for development and drive improvements. The service worked well in partnership with professional colleagues and their local community.