Suitable staff and staff cover: requires improvement

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 requires improvement in this area

The service may not always provide enough staff that have the right mix of skills, competence or experience to support people to stay safe.

Staff absence may not be covered with appropriately skilled staff to meet people's needs. People are often not informed about staff changes and who may be visiting or caring for them.

The service may sometimes expect staff to give care and support in a timescale that makes people feel rushed or unsafe.

People may receive the care and support they need to be safe, but staff may not always have the time to be flexible or respond to changing needs.

Staff regularly feel stretched, and focus on completing tasks rather than on person-centred care and support.

Staff recruitment is based on filling vacancies rather than on the skills and values of applicants. Checks are minimal, and signs of unsuitability may not always be given due attention.

DBS, fit and proper person requirements and other recruitment checks may not be routinely carried out.

Turnover of staff may be high and people's care and support may be inconsistent and not always safe.

Access to support and personal protective equipment for staff is unreliable.

Poor staff performance is not always recognised or properly responded to, and people are at risk of harm as a result.

Not all staff are up to date in safety-related training.