This announced comprehensive inspection took place on 21 July 2017. The registered provider was given hours’ notice of the visit because the location provides support and personal care to people living in their own homes and we needed to ensure there were people in the office to assist with our inspection.

Deaf Solution Ltd is registered with the Care Quality Commission to provide a domiciliary care service to people with a sensory impairment and who may also have other needs such as physical disabilities, learning disabilities or mental health issues. The support workers assist people who use the service with all aspects of their daily life, including shopping, work placements and social and leisure activities. The office is situated near the centre of Doncaster. At the time of our inspection there were 12 people who were in receipt of support from the agency, although only one person was receiving personal care.

There was a registered manager in post at the time of our inspection. 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.

We found that the service was safe and the members of staff we met were aware of their role and responsibility to keep people safe. There were sufficient staff to provide the appropriate level of care and support.

The registered provider had adequately robust recruitment policies and procedures, which ensured only suitable people were employed to care for vulnerable people.

Staff training was up to date and the staff were able to support people with more complex needs. The service was run and provided by deaf people for deaf people. All staff were deaf and used British Sign Language (BSL), so they were able to communicate very effectively with the people they supported. Staff received regular supervision and appraisal that ensured good work practices were maintained.

People received the support they required to maintain a good diet and to maintain their health. Health care needs were met by external healthcare professionals, such as district nurses, consultants and GP practices.

People were included in all decisions about their care and their rights were respected. The service followed the requirements of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 Code of practice. This helped to protect the rights of people who may not be able to make important decisions for themselves.

Staff treated people with kindness and consideration ensuring their privacy and dignity were respected. Staff had formed close relationships with the people they supported.

People were involved in the care planning process and gave their consent to the care and support provided. People were supported to take part in activities of their own choice in the local community.

The registered provider had a procedure for receiving and handling complaints about the service. There was a quality monitoring system in place, through regular reviews of the service provided.