This inspection took place on 09 January 2017 and was announced. The provider was given 48 hours’ notice because the location provides a domiciliary care and we needed to be sure that someone would be available.

Your Ability Surrey provides domiciliary and community support to people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and mental health conditions. They provide a supported living service. At the time of our inspection, two people were receiving personal care.

There was not a registered manager in post. At the time of our inspection, the manager was going through our registration process. 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 were supported by staff who understood their roles in safeguarding people. Staff assessed risks to people and provided support that minimised risks whilst encouraging people to be independent. Where incidents had occurred, actions were taken to prevent them from reoccurring.

Staff were trained in how to administer people’s medicines safely and staff worked alongside healthcare professionals to ensure that people’s needs were met.

Staff provided people with choices and people were involved in their care as well as the running of the service. Staff had a good understanding of the Mental Capacity Act (2005).

People were supported by staff that knew them well. People told us that staff were consistent and punctual which demonstrated that they were deployed appropriately.

Staff were involved in making decisions about the running of the service and regularly shared best practice. Staff received training suitable for their roles and regular supervision.

Care plans were person centred and people’s needs were reviewed regularly. People’s preferences around food and nutrition were recorded and staff acted in accordance with these.

Management regularly sought feedback from people and carried out audits to ensure quality. People were aware of how to complain and complaints were responded to by management.

Staff provided support in a way that promoted people’s privacy and dignity. Checks were undertaken to ensure that staff were suitable for their roles.