The inspection took place on 3 December 2018 and was announced. This is the first inspection since the provider changed location and re-registered with CQC in October 2017. When services register they are assessed to check they are likely to be safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led.

Direct Support Professionals is a domiciliary care agency. It is registered to provide personal care to people with a learning disability and/or other types of disability, including autism, living in their own homes or specialist housing. At the time of our inspection, one person was receiving personal care as defined by the regulated activity.

A registered manager was 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.

Staff had completed relevant training that enabled them to understand how to keep people safe and protect them from potential abuse. Risks to people had been identified and assessed and were managed to minimise any risks. Staff had the time they needed to support people in their own homes. Staff were trained in the administration of medicines and checked with one person that they had taken their medicines when they visited.

Staff completed a range of training to provide effective care and support to people. They received regular supervisions and annual appraisals. People were encouraged to eat a healthy diet and staff supported them in the preparation of meals. Where needed, staff could support people when attending healthcare appointments. Referrals were made to health and social care professionals as needed. Care records showed that people had access to healthcare professionals and services. People were supported to have maximum 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 were supported by kind and caring staff who knew them well. People received care in a personalised way and were involved in decisions relating to their care. People were treated with dignity and respect.

Care plans were written in an accessible format according to people’s communication needs. Care was person-centred and staff had a good understanding of people’s needs and how they wished to be supported. People were encouraged to be as independent as possible. Complaints were managed in line with the provider’s policy; one complaint had been received in the past year.

A system of audits measured and monitored the service provided and identified any improvements required. People and staff were asked for their views about the service through surveys. The culture of the service was one of empowerment and enablement that encouraged people to live independently and have control of their lives.