The Dove Project Plymouth and Cornwall DCA

People, relatives, staff and external healthcare professionals spoke highly of The DOVE Project. The service had strong person-centred values and placed people at the heart of their work. People had access to a stable staff team they knew well and achieved positive outcomes and strong relationships.

People were fully involved in their care and their wishes respected. One person said, "Staff are very much on time. It's plenty of time, I wouldn't mind having more [because they are nice]. They help me do anything I want to do". People's views were sought and their consent was always gained before any care took place. People were offered as many choices as possible in ways which met their individual needs. For example, by using pictures and objects of reference.

People's care plans contained personalised information which detailed how they wanted their care to be delivered. Staff knew people very well and expressed care and affection for them when speaking with us.

Staff were highly valued and supported by The DOVE Project and the registered manager. All staff we spoke with were proud to work for the service and praised the high standards of care expected. Staff comments included, "People have a good life and that's what we are here for."

Risks to people's health, safety and wellbeing were assessed and management plans were put in place to ensure these were reduced as much as possible.

People were protected from potential abuse by staff who had received training and were confident in raising concerns. There was a thorough recruitment process in place that checked potential staff were safe to work with people who may be vulnerable.

There was strong leadership at the service and people, relatives and staff spoke highly of the registered manager. There was a positive culture at the service and staff felt their voices were listened to.

People were supported by kind and caring staff who worked hard to promote their independence and sense of wellbeing. We were given examples of the staff going above and beyond for people. For example, helping them access new opportunities and helping them move house.

Staff were provided with the training, supervision and support they needed to care for people well.

The registered manager was passionate about improving the service and had plans for future projects to

benefit people. There were quality assurance systems in place to assess, monitor and improve the quality and safety of the service provided.

The registered manager and their team were committed to delivering high quality and safe care to people and involving them in the planning of their care and the running of the service.

More information is in the full report