Updated 13 August 2025
We carried out a short announced inspection of Lancashire HQ on 28 April 2025. The inspection included only the regulated activity of mental health patient transport.
This was the first inspection of the service and we assessed all quality statements from the CQC single assessment framework across all five key questions. The assessment was a comprehensive assessment carried out to rate the service.
Updated 31 July 2025
We carried out a short announced inspection of Lancashire HQ on 28 April 2025. The inspection included only the regulated activity of mental health transport.
The assessment was a comprehensive assessment carried out to rate the service.
We found concerns regarding the governance of the service. The service did not have clear and comprehensive policies, systems and processes in place to ensure a consistent approach to providing safe care. The registered manager did not have sufficient knowledge and background experience of the service to effectively carry out the registered manager role.
We found breaches in Regulations relating to good governance, safeguarding, safe care and treatment, complaints, requirements relating to registered managers and staffing.
The service did not have a good learning culture. Incidents were not recorded or investigated. People were not always protected and kept safe. Staff did not always have the right skills, qualifications and experience. The facilities and equipment met the needs of people and were clean.
People were not always involved in assessments of their needs. Care was not based on latest evidence and good practice. Staff did not always work with agencies involved in people’s care for smooth transitions. Staff did not have clear systems and processes to check consent was given.
People were treated with kindness and compassion. Staff protected their privacy and dignity. The service supported staff well being.
The service did not always ensure that people could be involved in their care.
Leaders and staff did not have a shared vision and culture based. Leaders were not always visible and knowledgeable. Leaders did not understand their roles and responsibilities. Governance processes were not fully developed or effective.