This inspection took place on 13 December 2016. We told the provider two days before our visit that we would be inspecting their service. This was to ensure the registered manager and other members of staff would be available to answer our questions during the inspection. This was the service’s first inspection since they had moved to a new office location.

The service recruits, trains and supports carers who provide placements for adults within their own family homes in the community. The majority of people using the service have a learning disability. A total of 71 people were being supported at the time of our inspection.

There was a registered manager in place who was present during our 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 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and associated Regulations about how the service is run.

Record keeping and systems to monitor and improve the quality of the service people received needed further development.

People told us that they felt safe with their carer. We spoke with shared lives workers and carers about the service's safeguarding procedures. They were all aware of the provider's safeguarding policy and how to report any potential allegations of abuse or concerns raised and were aware of the procedures to follow.

People received their medicines as prescribed. Staff knew how to dispense medication safely and there were regular checks to make sure this had been done properly.

There was a staffing structure in place that ensured that there was enough shared lives workers to support the role of the shared lives carers. Regular meetings took place with carers and workers so that there was an opportunity to learn and share good practice.

All the people we spoke with told us that they liked where they were living and that they were well cared for. People told us that they were supported to be independent and to take part in their chosen hobbies and interests that they enjoyed.

Shared lives carers told us that they had received the support and training they needed to carry out their role. Robust procedures and systems were in place to ensure that people who used the scheme were supported by carers who were suitable for their role. Shared lives workers told us that they had received the support they needed to carry out their role.

Meals times were promoted as a sociable and pleasant experience. People were kept safe from malnutrition because they were offered a choice of foods and drinks they liked. Carers knew how to support people to eat and drink enough to keep them well.

People were supported to have their mental and physical healthcare needs met. Shared lives workers and carers sought and took advice from relevant health professionals when needed.

Shared lives carers' demonstrated they understood how to support people maintain their independence and promote their dignity and privacy. People received responsive and personalised care and were involved in planning their support.

People had access to a complaints system and the registered manager responded appropriately to concerns.

We found that systems were in place for Shared Lives workers to follow so that assessment and monitoring of carers and the shared lives placement took place. Regular meetings took place with carers and workers so that there was an opportunity to learn and share good practice.

The registered manager provided staff with appropriate leadership and support. Shared lives workers and carers told us the registered manager was approachable and supportive.