Suitable staff and staff cover: good

S3. How does the service make sure that there are sufficient numbers of suitable staff to support people to stay safe and meet their needs?

Characteristics of services we would rate as good in this area

There are always enough competent staff on duty. Staff have the right mix of skills to make sure that practice is safe and they can respond to unforeseen events. The service regularly reviews staffing levels and adapts them to people's changing needs.

Services providing care and support to people in their own homes make sure there is enough staff cover across the geographical area so people receive a consistent and reliable service. The service considers travelling time to make sure people receive the amount of care that has been agreed in their care plan. Short calls are avoided, unless the assessed care can be delivered safely in the time slot without being rushed.

There are arrangements to deal with situations when care staff are not able to work or cannot make visits because of urgent unexpected demand.

People are informed when staff need to be changed at short notice so they know who will provide their care and support, and their personal security is protected.

Recruitment systems are robust and make sure that the right staff are recruited to support people to stay safe.

Staff have the support and back-up to protect people and themselves from harm. The service makes sure that staff are able to contact them and their colleagues and have access to personal protective equipment.

Staff performance relating to unsafe care is recognised and responded to appropriately and quickly. Lessons learned are shared and applied.

Appropriate DBS checks and other recruitment checks are carried out as standard practice.

Staff have received up-to-date training in all safety systems.