Community Support Service

At our last inspection on 25 February 2016 we rated the service good. At this announced inspection we found the evidence continued to support the rating of good and there was no evidence or information from our inspection and ongoing monitoring that demonstrated serious risks or concerns. This inspection report is written in a shorter format because our overall rating of the service has not changed since our last inspection.

There was a registered manager in post at the time of this inspection. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service. Like registered providers, they are 'registered persons'. Registered persons have legal responsibility for meeting the requirements in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

People were supported by staff who knew about safeguarding and its reporting processes. Risk assessments were in place as guidance for staff to support and monitor people's assessed risks. People's care records were held securely to ensure confidentiality. People had equipment in place to help staff assist them to receive safe care and support.

Staff had been recruited safely prior to working at the service. People's needs were met as there were enough staff with the right skills and knowledge. Staff were trained to meet people's care and support needs. People's medicines were administered as prescribed and managed safely. Systems were in place to maintain infection prevention and control. Actions were taken to learn any lessons when things did not go as planned.

People were supported with their eating and drinking to promote their well-being. People received a caring service by staff who knew them well. People's privacy and dignity was maintained by staff.

People were involved in their care decisions and staff promoted people's independence as far as practicable. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible.

Staff supported people to access external healthcare services. Staff worked with other organisations to help ensure that people's care was coordinated.

Activities were in place to support people's hobbies, interests and well-being. To promote people's social

inclusion, staff supported people with their links and trips out to the local community.

Compliments were received about the service and people were aware of how to make a complaint or raise a concern.

The registered manager led by example and encouraged an open and honest culture within their staff team. Audit and governance systems were in place to identify and drive forward any improvements required. The registered manager and their staff team worked together with other organisations to ensure people's well- being.

Further information is in the detailed findings below.

The five questions we ask about services and what we found