Gannicox CIC domiciliary care agency provides personal care for adults with learning difficulties, particularly for those living in Gannicox Camphill Community. At the time of our inspection four adults with learning disabilities were receiving personal care at two separate addresses.

This inspection took place on 2 September 2016. This service was registered by CQC on 25 November 2014. This was our first inspection of the service.

There was a registered manager at the service. 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 received a service that was safe. People were safe from harm because staff were aware of their responsibilities and, knew how to report any concerns. There was enough skilled and experienced staff to safely provide care. Recruitment checks were carried out before staff worked with people to ensure they received care from suitable staff. Risks to people were assessed and action taken to manage these. Where people needed help with medicines they were protected from risks because medicines were safely managed.

The service provided was effective. Staff received the training, supervision and support required to effectively meet people’s needs. The registered manager and staff understood the principles of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 and, worked to ensure people’s rights were respected. Where people required it, staff supported people to eat and drink. Staff ensured people received assistance from other health and social care professionals when required.

People received a service that was caring. People received care and support from caring and compassionate staff who knew them well. Staff provided the care and support people needed and treated them with dignity and respect. People and, where appropriate, their families were actively involved in making decisions about their care and support.

The service was responsive to people’s needs. People received person centred care and support. The service listened to the views of people using the service and others and made changes as a result. People were supported to participate in a range of activities based upon their assessed needs and wishes.

The service was well-led. The registered manager and senior staff provided effective leadership and management. They had clear vision and values for the service and, had communicated these effectively to people, their relatives, staff and other health and social care professionals. Staff showed a good understanding of the implications of providing care in people’s own homes. Quality monitoring systems were used to further improve the service provided.