New Beginnings North East Ltd

On this page

• Overview
• Learning culture
• Safe systems, pathways and transitions
• Safeguarding
• Involving people to manage risks
• Safe environments
• Safe and effective staffing
• Infection prevention and control
• Medicines optimisation

Safe – this means we looked for evidence that people were protected from abuse and avoidable harm.

This is the first assessment for this service. This key question has been rated good. This meant people were safe and protected from avoidable harm.

This service scored 75 (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 proactive and positive culture of safety, based on openness and honesty. Staff listened to concerns about safety and investigated and reported safety events. Lessons were learnt to continually identify and embed good practice.

The provider created a safe and open culture. Staff felt able to speak up about safety, and leaders listened and responded promptly. Accidents and incidents were recorded and reviewed so that lessons were learned and shared. Although no incidents or accidents had been reported, the provider had policies and procedures in place to manage any future events and implement lessons learned.

The provider worked with people and healthcare partners to establish and maintain safe systems of care, in which safety was managed or monitored. They made sure there was continuity of care, including when people moved between different services.

Staff followed clinical advice and promptly updated care plans and risk assessments when needs changed. Managers promoted openness and good information‑sharing so everyone involved could deliver safe, coordinated care. Families told us they felt confident in the service. They were included in planning and found communication open and responsive.

The provider worked with people and healthcare partners to understand what being safe meant to them and the best way to achieve that. Staff concentrated on improving people’s lives while protecting their right to live in safety, free from bullying, harassment, abuse, discrimination, avoidable harm and neglect. The provider shared concerns quickly and appropriately.

The provider had effective safeguarding systems that protected people from harm. Staff were trained, confident in recognising concerns, and knew how to report these internally and to external agencies. One staff member said, “I’d report safeguarding to the managers or the council and CQC.”

Safeguarding policies were clear, and records showed concerns were escalated promptly and managed with the local authority. Staff worked with people, relatives and professionals to understand what feeling safe meant for each person and to put suitable measures in place

Relatives told us they felt reassured that people were kept safe. One relative said, “I would worry about [person] but I don’t need to as I know [staff] are there and keep [person] safe.” Staff were proactive in identifying risks and took swift action when needed, contributing to a positive safeguarding culture.

The provider worked with people to understand and manage risks by thinking holistically. Staff provided care to meet people’s needs that was safe, supportive and enabled people to do the things that mattered to them.

The provider used a person‑centred approach to risk management. Risk assessments were tailored to each person’s needs and developed jointly with them. Staff involved people in everyday decisions and encouraged participation in activities that mattered to them, such as preparing their own breakfast and drinks, which supported independence and confidence.

Positive risk‑taking was promoted. Staff explained risks in accessible ways so people could make informed choices, and safety measures were put in place only where needed to maintain independence, demonstrating the service’s commitment to understanding what was important to each person. This collaborative approach helped people feel empowered, supported and safe. Risk assessments were reviewed regularly to reflect any changes.

The provider detected and controlled potential risks in the care environment. They made sure equipment, facilities and technology supported the delivery of safe care.

Risk assessments in relation to people’s own environments had been undertaken and were regularly reviewed. Where risks had been identified, measures had been put in place to minimise these.

Staff understood how to report concerns, and managers responded quickly, demonstrating a proactive approach to safety. Consistent risk management, cler communication and prompt action from staff helped provide a secure environment.

The provider made sure there were enough qualified, skilled and experienced staff, who received effective support, supervision and development. They worked together well to provide safe care that met people’s individual needs.

Robust recruitment and interview procedures were in place to ensure the safe appointment of staff. These included obtaining references from previous employers and undertaking appropriate checks to confirm individuals were suitable to work with vulnerable adults.

Staff received comprehensive training across a wide range of subjects to support them in performing their roles effectively. The provider actively promoted and facilitated access to additional training, including care-related qualifications, which is reflected in a strong staff retention rate.

The provider supported staff development by funding recognised care qualifications, which helped maintain safety and high standards of care.

The provider assessed and managed the risk of infection. They detected and controlled the risk of it spreading and shared concerns with appropriate agencies promptly.

The provider had effective processes in place to protect people from the risk of infection. People’s care plans set out clear PPE requirements for each visit, giving staff consistent guidance to follow. PPE was readily available, and staff adhered to hygiene procedures throughout their work. Audits monitored compliance with stock management and IPC practice, confirming standards were maintained.

The provider made sure that medicines were managed safely and met people’s needs.

The provider had effective processes in place to ensure medicines were managed safely. Medication audits helped identify and address any discrepancies promptly, and staff competency was monitored to maintain safe practice.

Staff received up‑to‑date medicines training, and their understanding was routinely assessed. These measures supported safe, consistent medicines administration and ensured people received their medication as prescribed.