This inspection took place on the 1 August 2018. We gave the service 24 hours’ notice of the inspection visit because it is small and the registered manager was often out of the office supporting staff or providing care. The service was first registered in July 2017 and this was its first inspection.

Amicable Care Ltd is based in Carlisle The service is a domiciliary care agency. It provides personal care for around 30 people living in their own houses, flats and specialist housing. It provides a service to older adults and younger disabled adults

There was a registered manager in post. 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.

There were sufficient numbers of suitable staff to meet people’s needs. Staff training was on going and they had received sufficient training to safely support and care for people. Staff were supported by the registered manager through regular staff meetings, supervision and appraisals.

When employing fit and proper persons the recruitment procedures had included all of the required checks of suitability. Hazards to people’s safety had been identified and appropriately managed and staff knew how to identify and act on abuse allegations.

People’s dignity and privacy were actively promoted by the staff supporting them. People were asked for their consent before care was provided and the decisions they made were respected. People received care from a small team of staff who they knew well and were treated with respect. Everyone we spoke with made positive comments about the staff who supported them.

Auditing and quality monitoring systems were in place that allowed the service to demonstrate effectively the safety and quality of the provision. A complaints procedure was available. People told us they would feel confident to speak to staff about any concerns if they needed to. People had access to an advocate if required.

People were supported to have choice and control of their lives and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible; the policies and systems in the service supported this practice.

People received the support they needed to take their medicines safely. The staff identified if people were unwell and supported them to contact health professionals.