The inspection took place on 18 September 2018. We gave prior notice to ensure the registered manager would be available. Ace Care Professionals is a small domiciliary care service that provides personal care to people living in their own homes. On the day of the inspection, 13 people were supported by the service and 11 staff were employed. This was the first inspection following a change of registration in 2017. The change of registration was due to the service moving to more spacious premises.

The service had a registered manager who was also the provider. 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 we spoke with were very positive about the service they received. They told us they were very happy with the staff and felt that the staff were reliable and kind. They were able to speak with the manager when needed and they had no complaints. People who had raised concerns said they had been dealt with promptly and satisfactorily.

People were supported to have maximum choice and staff supported them in the way that they preferred. Care records showed that people were involved in decisions about their care and support and they contained good information about the support people required and how they liked things done.

The provider had systems to ensure that people were protected from the risk of harm or abuse. There were policies and procedures in place to guide staff in relation to safeguarding, and risks to people’s health and safety were identified and plans put in place to reduce the risk.

Good recruitment practices were followed which included the completion of pre-employment checks prior to new members of staff working at the service. Staff received regular supervision and training to enable them to work safely and effectively.

The service had a small and stable management team. Staff found the manager to be approachable and supportive. People were asked regularly if they were satisfied with the service and action was taken to address any areas for improvement. Records we looked at were complete and up to date.