Swanton Community Services – Southampton and Hampshire

There was evidence of a culture of safety and learning. When concerns had been raised, these had been used as an opportunity to put things right, learn and improve.

There were systems, processes, and practices in place to ensure people were safe from the risk of harm and abuse. Staff undertook safeguarding training and safeguarding policies and procedures were available. Easy read versions of the policy were available for people. People told us they felt safe and knew who to speak to if they had any concerns.

There were safe recruitment processes in place. Overall there was enough suitably skilled staff available to meet people's needs.

Risks were assessed and planned for.

People told us they were supported the way they wanted to be supported. Overall staff told us support plans were a comprehensive assessment of each person’s needs.

Assessments recorded people’s communication methods, hobbies and interests, goals, and capacity to make decisions.

Positive behaviour support plans were in place to guide staff on how to respond should people display distressed behaviours.

People told us they were supported to access health care services as they needed. This included making and attending appointments.

Staff knew people well and this helped to ensure they were able to anticipate their needs and seek appropriate support or guidance.

People had annual health checks and hospital and dental passports were in place to assist external healthcare professionals to understand people’s needs.

There was scope for plans aimed at supporting people to achieve their new goals to be more detailed and specific.

People confirmed they were supported to have choice and control over their own care.

People were supported to take part in activities they enjoyed.

Care plans were personalised and detailed people’s preferences.

Staff were, overall, confident that the leadership team were committed to delivering a good quality service and promoted a supportive and open culture. Staff told us they had confidence in the skills and knowledge of their leadership team.

The leadership team had a clear vision for the service and our discussions with the registered managers and the nominated individual, indicated that they had passion to deliver this.

The provider had systems in place to develop the knowledge and skills of its current and future leaders.

There were a range of governance systems in place that helped to keep people safe but also improve the quality of care and support being provided. This included audits of medicines, care plans, people’s environments, and finances.