Elliscombe House

The assessment was conducted between 12 March 2026 and 31 March 2026. We visited the home on 18 March 2026 and 31 March 2026. This was a responsive assessment prompted by numerous concerns about the owner and the detrimental effect they were having on the service.

The information shared with us raised serious concerns that key members of the management team may leave. The service would then be without the leadership, oversight and expertise needed to ensure safe, effective, and consistent care.

We found the owner’s behaviour continued to have a disruptive and distressing impact on people, relatives and staff. Staff did not feel safe to speak up about concerns relating to the owner and described feeling criticised, undervalued or fearful of repercussions. We were told, “As a management team, we are completely deflated, unable to work and run the home the way we want to and now working in constant fear.”

Governance systems were inconsistent. Although the on-site management team ran the service well, their good work was undermined by the owner. People currently had compassionate care delivered by a stable staff team, but this was at serious risk due to the owner’s behaviour.

People and relatives told us they felt safe and well cared for. We observed strong relationships, good communication and positive interactions between staff and people. The on-site management team were respected, visible and supportive. Staff valued their leadership and the improvements they had made.

Staff remained committed to delivering high‑quality care and people praised the staff, environment, food, activities and housekeeping. However, the behaviour of the owner, and their lack of learning or improvement from previous concerns meant the service was at risk of decline.

At this assessment, the rating for the well led key question has changed from good to requires improvement. In instances where CQC has begun a process of regulatory action, we may publish this information on our website after any representations and/or appeals have been concluded, if the action has been taken forward.

This assessment was concluded on 31 March 2026. We were advised by the provider’s legal representatives on 30 April 2026 the owner would no longer have involvement with Elliscombe House whatsoever in terms of its management and operations and would not visit the home. An experienced ‘Nominated Individual’ (a person responsible for supervising the management of the service) had also been appointed to take on the role previously undertaken by the owner.