DCAS Direct Personnel Limited

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. At our last assessment we rated this key question as good. At this assessment the rating has remained as 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 promoted an open and positive approach to safety and learning. Staff understood the importance of reporting concerns, incidents and other safety events. Managers were available to provide advice and support, and concerns were reviewed so action could be taken where needed. Learning was shared with staff to support improvements in practice.

One staff member told us, “They are very supportive. Anytime I raise any concern they will listen to me help me.” This showed staff felt able to raise concerns and were confident that managers would listen and provide support.

We did not look at Safe systems, pathways and transitions during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

The provider had systems in place to help keep people safe while respecting their rights, choices and independence. Staff completed safeguarding training and understood how to identify and report concerns relating to abuse, neglect, discrimination, bullying or harassment.

Staff were aware of their responsibilities to act when concerns arose and followed procedures for escalating safeguarding matters. The provider shared relevant information with appropriate agencies when required and supported people to remain safe while maintaining control over their daily lives.

The provider involved people in identifying and managing risks in a way that reflected their individual needs, preferences and circumstances. Risk assessments gave staff guidance on how to support people safely while also promoting their independence, choices and involvement in activities that were important to them. A staff member said, “We ask [people] how they want to be cared for.”

Staff developed their understanding of risks people experienced through induction, reading policies and procedures, care plans, discussing individual needs and spending time with people they care for.

The provider took steps to identify and manage environmental risks within people’s homes. Environmental risk assessments considered factors that could affect the safe delivery of care, and staff had access to the equipment and resources they needed to work safely. Where concerns were identified, these were reported to managers so appropriate action could be taken with the person or those responsible for the property.

Staff told us they were able to access additional supplies when needed. One staff member said, “I always have enough personal protective equipment (PPE).” This supported staff to follow safe working practices and helped reduce the risks the spread of infection during care visits.

The provider had staffing arrangements in place to ensure people received safe and appropriate care. Staff had the skills and experience needed for their roles and completed relevant training, supervision and competency checks to support their practice.

Managers monitored staff performance and provided guidance or further support where this was needed. Staff worked well together and shared information effectively, helping to provide consistent care. Staffing levels were reviewed to make sure people received support when required. Staff told us they felt supported and understood what was expected of them.

We did not look at Infection prevention and control during this assessment. The score for this quality statement is based on the previous rating for Safe.

The provider had systems in place to support the safe management of medicines in line with people’s individual needs, capacity and preferences. People were involved in decisions about their medicines support, including when changes were made. Staff provided the level of assistance required while promoting people’s independence where possible. A medicines policy was in place, and medicine administration records (MAR) were used to record and monitor the support provided.

A staff member told us, “I've received medicines training”. This demonstrated that staff had received relevant training to support people safely with their medicines and other identified care needs.