This announced inspection took place on 7 September 2018. The service was previously inspected on 10 November 2015 where it was found to be good in all Key Questions and good overall.

This service is a domiciliary care agency. It provides personal care to people living in their own houses and flats in the community. The service is registered with the CQC to provide a service to older adults some of whom might be living with dementia and younger adults who have learning disabilities or autistic spectrum disorder, physical disability, sensory impairment or mental health and require care and support.

Not everyone using Recruitcare Professionals Ltd receives a regulated activity; CQC only inspects the service being received by people provided with ‘personal care’; help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do we also take into account any wider social care provided. At the time of our inspection two people were receiving the regulated activity of personal care.

At this inspection we found that the service remained good in all Key Questions and good overall.

People spoke positively about the service they received describing the staff and the registered manager as kind and friendly. They found the service was flexible and responsive to their changing requirements and described staff as punctual in attending their calls.

The registered manager was very knowledgeable about the people using the service and often worked alongside staff to provide care. They used these opportunities to check people were happy with the service they received and acted as a role model to staff demonstrating good practice.

The registered manager assessed people prior to offering a service to ensure they could meet their support needs and with their involvement produced person centred care plans. They assessed the risks to people and put in place guidance for staff to mitigate those risks.

The provider worked in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and obtained people’s consent before providing care. People told us staff respected their decisions.

Staff were recruited in a safe manner and received induction training prior to commencing their role. The provider ensured further training was available to staff to update their knowledge and to encourage them to progress in the field of health and social care.

Staff received medicines administration training and care plans stated what support people required. Staff monitored people’s wellbeing and liaised with health services on their behalf. They prepared people’s meals to their cultural requirements and reminded people to drink enough to remain hydrated.

The registered manager had an oversight of the service. They monitored records and spoke with people to ensure that all safeguarding concerns were identified and reported appropriately. They undertook checks and audits to ensure the service provision was of a good quality. When they identified mistakes or near misses they shared their learning with the staff team.

The registered manager and directors of the company had a vision of offering compassionate care to people living in the community. They were passionate about valuing their staff and supporting them to reach their potential. They kept their own learning updated and attended health and social care forums to remain informed about changes of legislation and good practice.

Recruitcare Professionals Limited was registered with CQC in August 2014. This was the service’s first inspection. The service is currently providing personal care to three people. There is a registered manager is 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.

People told us they felt safe when receiving care from the service. People had robust risk assessments in place to mitigate against identified risks and staff had a good understanding of safeguarding adults processes. Staff knew how to raise concerns and the registered manager understood their responsibilities.

Staff recruitment practices ensured that suitable staff were employed, however records of staff recruitment were not always clear.

Where the service supported people with their medicines this was managed safely.

Staff received a thorough induction and had ongoing training provided. People said that staff were experienced and good at their jobs. Staff had received training in the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005 and demonstrated they understood its application. The MCA is a law that protects people who lack capacity to make decisions for themselves.

Records showed that people were consenting to their care and involved in planning and reviewing their care packages. Peoples preferences regarding their care, including their health nutrition and hydration needs were clearly recorded. Where the service was responsible people were supported to access healthcare services as required.

Staff demonstrated a caring attitude and people told us they thought staff were caring. Supporting people to maintain their dignity and respect of their privacy was integral to care plans. People’s beliefs, values and religious needs were clearly recorded and supported.

People received person-centred care and support was adapted to suit their changing needs. There was a complaints policy in place and people told us they knew how to complain.

The registered manager was supportive of staff who told us they felt valued by the organisation. People told us the registered manager was approachable. There were appropriate systems in place to monitior the quality of the service.