We carried out an unannounced inspection of this service on 11 July 2018. This was the first inspection of this service since they registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) on 20 July 2016.

This service provides care and support to people living in two supported living settings, so that they can live as independently as possible. People’s care and housing are provided under separate contractual agreements. CQC does not regulate premises used for supported living; this inspection looked at people’s personal care and support.

At the time of our inspection four people were receiving personal care and support across two different sites. We visited both supported living sites as part of our inspection.

The service had a registered manager in post. 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.

Safeguarding procedures were in place and staff had a clear understanding of what abuse was and what to do if they had any safeguarding concerns. Staff were recruited safely, and pre-employment checks had been carried out to ensure they were suitable to support vulnerable adults. Staffing levels were sufficient, which meant the service could meet people's needs. Infection control was being managed in a safe way to prevent the spread of cross infection. Medicines were administered and managed safely. Records showed staff had signed when medicines had been received and counted; however, this was not audited. We recommended the service seek out and follow best practice guidance to oversee the auditing processes. Risk assessments were in place, but they did not always give a detailed and concise explanation of risk. We recommended that the service develop their risk assessments based on best practice guidance.

The service had completed pre-admission assessments for all people to ensure their needs could be met. Staff received a detailed induction to the service including completing the Care Certificate and additional specialist training to allow them to provide the best support to people. People had a choice around their meals and the service promoted healthy living through diet and exercise. The service worked well with other health and social care teams to ensure the care and support offered was complete. Staff understood the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA). The MCA is a law protecting people who are unable to make decisions for themselves. Where people did not have the capacity to consent to their care and support, the appropriate applications had been made to the Court of Protection.

Staff demonstrated an understanding around equality and diversity. Staff spoke to us about how they maintained people's privacy and dignity, particularly in relation to personal care. This ensured people felt safe and comfortable. Staff were observed to be kind and respectful and had a positive relationship with people. The service promoted people to be as independent as possible.

People received personalised support that was responsive to their individual needs and each person had an up to date care plan. People were encouraged to engage in activities of their choice, both within the home and the local community. People and their relatives were fully involved in their care and support and felt comfortable raising any issues they might have about the care they or their relative received. The service had arrangements in place to deal with concerns and complaints.

The registered manager and the provider were open and transparent and this meant the service had clear values about wanting people to be well. They gathered feedback from people, relatives, staff and stakeholders. This feedback alongside the audits and quality checks meant the service were always mon