We carried out an announced inspection of Ebony Healthcare Services Limited on the 28 & 29 September 2017 and 02 October 2017. Ebony Healthcare Services Limited provides a supported living service for people living in their own homes who have a mental health condition. At the time of the inspection the service was providing support to seven people in two houses. This was Ebony Healthcare Services Limited first comprehensive inspection since they were registered by CQC.

The service was managed by a registered manager. 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.

Staff could explain how they would recognise and report abuse and they understood their responsibilities in keeping people safe.

People’s risks were anticipated, identified and monitored. Staff managed risk effectively and actively supported people’s decisions, so they had as much control and independence as possible.

The service was following appropriate recruitment procedures to make sure that only suitable staff were employed at the service.

Staff we spoke with had a good knowledge of the medicines that people they visited were taking. People told us they were satisfied with the way their medicines were managed.

Staff had completed relevant training for their role and they were well supported by both the registered manager and deputy manager. Healthcare professionals commented on the skills of staff and the effectiveness of the service in meeting people's needs.

The service promoted an environment that encouraged people's independence, supported them to work towards living independently and making their own decisions.

Staff were aware of people's nutritional needs and supported with meal preparation, eating and drinking when needed. People's health needs were identified and where appropriate, staff worked with other professionals to ensure these needs were addressed.

Staff understood the principles of the Mental Capacity Act (2005) and understood that it was not right to make choices for people when they could make choices for themselves.

People confirmed that they were involved as much as they wanted to be in the planning of their care and support. Support plans included the views of people using the service. People who used the service were positive about the staff and told us they had confidence in their abilities.

There were systems in place to monitor the quality of the service, which included regular audits and feedback from people using the service and staff. People's views were sought through annual surveys, meetings, and the complaints process. Action had been taken, or was planned, where the need for improvement was identified