SeeAbility Buckinghamshire Support Service

People’s care and housing are provided under separate contractual agreements. CQC does not regulate premises used for supported living. CQC only inspects where people receive personal care. Where they do, we also consider any wider social care provided.

The assessment was prompted by concerns we had received about people’s safety and exposure to harm and abuse.

At the time of our inspection 10 people were receiving the regulated activity of personal care. This was at a detached property called Waterside House, which was close to local amenities and in walking distance of Aylesbury town Centre. This is the first inspection under this service group.

We assessed the service against ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ guidance to make judgements about whether the provider guaranteed people with a learning disability and autistic people respect, equality, dignity, choices, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted.

The overall rating at this assessment is requires improvement. We identified 2 breaches of the legal regulations in relation to safe care and treatment and good governance. Medicines were not routinely managed safely. Risks relating to people’s health, safety and welfare were in place, but they were not always robust and some key areas had not been assessed. There was a lack of consistent oversight of the service and auditing processes were not always effective in identifying shortfalls. Care records did not routinely identify what support people had received. We identified a shortfall within the recruitment records.

However, people were supported to maintain independence, choice and control. People were involved in decisions about their care. Staff provided information people could understand. People knew how to give feedback and most were confident the provider took it seriously and acted on it. The service was easy to access and worked to eliminate discrimination. People mostly received fair and equal care and treatment. Staff worked to reduce health and care inequalities through training and feedback. People were involved in planning their care and understood options around choosing to withdraw or not receive care.

People were treated with kindness and compassion. Staff protected their privacy and dignity. They treated them as individuals and supported their preferences. People had choice in their care and were encouraged to maintain relationships with family and friends. The provider supported staff wellbeing.

Leaders and staff had a shared vision and culture based on listening, learning and trust. Leaders were visible, knowledgeable and supportive, helping staff develop in their roles. Staff felt supported to give feedback and were treated equally, free from bullying or harassment. People and staff with protected characteristics felt supported. Staff understood their roles and responsibilities.

Feedback from staff was positive and they told us they felt supported. Comments included “I would say the service is well managed and organised” and “I can go to the office whenever I need”.

We found the provider and registered manager responsive to our feedback throughout the course of the inspection.

We have asked the provider for an action plan in response to the concerns found at this assessment.