Downlands

On this page

• Overview
• Shared direction and culture
• Capable, compassionate and inclusive leaders
• Freedom to speak up
• Workforce equality, diversity and inclusion
• Governance, management and sustainability
• Partnerships and communities
• Learning, improvement and innovation

Well-led – this means we looked for evidence that service leadership, management and governance assured high-quality, person-centred care; supported learning and innovation; and promoted an open, fair culture. At our last assessment we rated this key question as good. At this assessment the rating has remained as good. This meant the service was consistently managed and well-led. Leaders and the culture they created promoted high-quality, person-centred care.

This service scored 79 (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 shared vision, strategy and culture. This was based on transparency, equity, equality and human rights, diversity and inclusion, engagement, and understanding challenges and the needs of people and their communities.

We did not look at Capable, compassionate and inclusive leaders during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Well-led.

We did not look at Freedom to speak up during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Well-led.

We did not look at Workforce equality, diversity and inclusion during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Well-led.

The provider had clear responsibilities, roles, systems of accountability and good governance. They used these to manage and deliver good quality, sustainable care, treatment and support. They acted on the best information about risk, performance and outcomes, and shared this securely with others when appropriate.

We did not look at Partnerships and communities during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Well-led.

The provider had a strong focus on continuous learning, innovation and improvement across the organisation and local system. They always encouraged creative ways of delivering equality of experience, outcome and quality of life for people. They actively contributed to safe, effective practice and research.

The registered manager demonstrated a commitment not only to improving outcomes for people using the service but also to sharing expertise and driving improvements across the wider care sector. They took an active and influential role in local mental health and social care forums, building strong partnerships with professionals and contributing to discussions that promoted good practice and improved outcomes for people using services.

Staff actively sought opportunities to learn from others and apply emerging best practice. This culture of continuous improvement enabled staff to remain informed about developments within the sector and adapt support to meet changing needs. Learning was viewed as a shared responsibility, and staff were encouraged to contribute ideas and reflect on how support could be enhanced.

Activities were developed innovatively. The activities coordinator worked closely with the local mental health team to design and deliver bespoke opportunities tailored to people's individual needs and interests. This collaborative approach ensured activities were purposeful, meaningful and beneficial. As a result, people were supported to retain cognitive skills and had a positive impact on reducing periods of distress.

The impact of this extended beyond the people living at Downlands. The registered manager and staff regularly shared their knowledge and expertise with other care homes, providing advice, guidance and practical support to help improve practice. This included supporting other providers to develop person-centred approaches and enhance the quality of care they delivered. Through this work, the service demonstrated a commitment to raising standards across the wider care community and was recognised as a valued source of support and learning for others.