Suitable staff and staff cover: inadequate

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 inadequate in this area

The service does not ensure that staff have time to give people the care and support they need or to respond to emergencies or incidents. The service does not regularly review its staffing levels and mix of skills to make sure that it is able to respond to people's changing needs.

Staff absences are not covered, or changes are often made at short notice or without notice, and people are unable to check if the member of staff visiting them is genuine.

Required recruitment checks on staff are not always made. Unsuitable people may be recruited as a result.

Staff do not have access to support and personal protective equipment at all times.

Staff performance is not monitored adequately, poor performance or evidence of unsuitability may not be recognised or responded to, and people are likely to be harmed as a result.

Staff are not up to date in safety-related training.