6 August 2014
During a routine inspection
We carried out this inspection under Section 60 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 as part of our regulatory functions. This inspection was planned to check whether the provider is meeting the legal requirements and regulations associated with the Health and Social Care Act 2008, and to provide a rating for the service under the Care Act 2014.
We undertook an announced inspection on 6 August 2014. We told the provider two days before our visit that we would be coming. Employment 1st UK Limited provides personal care to one person in their own home. The provider was in the process of tendering for further contracts with local authorities to provide personal care to more people.
At our last inspection on 23 September 2013 the service met the regulations inspected.
The service had a registered manager who had been in post since July 2012. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission to manage the service and has the legal responsibility for meeting the requirements of the law; as does the provider.
Staff had received training in safeguarding vulnerable adults and the Mental Capacity Act 2005. Staff were able to recognise signs of potential abuse and would report any concerns to the registered manager. However, the reporting process was not documented and related policies did not contain information about reporting procedures. We could not be assured that appropriate action would be taken if concerns arose. The service did not have a policy relating to the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and how to support people that did not have capacity to make decisions.
There were sufficient staff employed to provide a 24 hour service to the person receiving care and the staff had the skills and knowledge to support them.
A care plan was in place that identified the person’s care needs and how they wished to be supported. Staff were aware of the person’s preferences and provided care in line with them.
Staff liaised with other health and social care professionals involved in the person’s care, and escalated any concerns about their health to either their GP or the emergency services as needed.
The registered manager undertook weekly checks to monitor the quality of the service provided. Regular feedback was obtained from the person using the service to assess their satisfaction and appropriate action was taken to improve the service where required.
The registered manager was accessible to staff if they required additional support or advice. However, we saw that some staff had requested further supervision and we could not be assured that this had been provided. Some staff felt they were not listened to and that their concerns were not taken seriously or acted upon.