We do not currently rate independent standalone substance misuse services.

We found the following areas of good practice:

• Chandos House provided a safe and caring place for people to recover from substance misuse. This was apparent throughout the service, and included flexibility admitting clients who were in immediate need and free after care. Staff worked collaboratively with clients to complete a holistic treatment plan. Clients set their own goals for treatment and discharge. Staff helped arrange funding extensions when clients needed a longer stay.

• Staff managed risk at the service through client assessment and ongoing discussion with clients. When risks were identified, staff supported clients to stay safe. Staff provided information on harm minimisation and overdose risk for clients who left or were discharged early. Health and safety checks of the premises were carried out regularly.

• The staff helped to create an atmosphere of safety and support that helped clients feel accepted and respected. Clients told us that they had open and honest discussions about equality and diversity within the house and that they felt safe and accepted there.

• The service had strong leadership from the manager. Staff told us they felt comfortable raising any concerns they might have, but they felt that the team worked well together. They also said that they had strong working relationships with other teams in the area.

However, we also found the following issues that the service provider needs to improve:

• The quality assurance officer was new in post and had not had time to fully embed all of the governance procedures that they had started.