The inspection took place on 16,19 and 23 July 2018 and was announced. We gave the provider 48 hours’ notice of our visit because we wanted to make sure staff who were based in the provider’s office were onsite to assist with the inspection.

Durham Share Lives Scheme 1 offers adults with learning disabilities short term, long term, emergency and respite care. This is provided by people who are known as ‘shared lives providers’ who are supported by ‘support managers and the registered manager’ from the scheme. The support takes place in the home of the shared lives provider.

Not everyone using Durham Share Lives Scheme 1 receives a regulated activity; CQC only inspects the service being received by people provided with ‘personal care’; help with tasks related to personal hygiene and eating. Where they do we also take into account any wider social care provided.

There was a registered manager in place who had been in their present post at the service for seventeen years. A registered manager is a person who has registered with the Care Quality Commission [CQC] 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.

The service had a robust process in place to recruit shared lives providers, which included general health checks, character checks, references, DBS checks and discussions with family members. Detailed assessments were carried out by support managers. A detailed report was then developed as to the suitability of the prospective shared live provider and presented at an independent panel to make a decision to recruit the person as a provider.

We found risks to people were assessed and detailed risk assessments were in place with support and guidance for shared lives providers to follow. The home environment of shared lives providers was also assessed to ensure it was a safe place for the person to reside. Appropriate insurance certificates were in place.

Shared lives providers and support managers were aware of safeguarding processes and knew how to raise concerns if they felt people were at risk of abuse or poor practice. Where lessons could be learnt from safeguarding concerns these were used to improve the service. Accidents and incidents were recorded and monitored as part of the provider’s audit process.

People knew how to raise concerns about their care and had access to an easy read document on abuse and neglect.

Shared lives providers received regular monitoring and supervision visits. Opportunities were available to discuss performance and development. Training was up to date for shared lives providers.

Support managers received regular supervision with the registered manager. The shared lives provider visits were used to form the basis of supervision. Support managers were able to discuss their development with the registered manager.

People’s nutritional needs were assessed were necessary and shared live providers supported people to enjoying a varied diet, with choices offered and alternatives available. People's healthcare needs were monitored and contact was made with other health care professionals when necessary. Shared lives providers helped people to lead a healthy lifestyle and supported them to attend health care appointments.

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

People felt the service was caring. Support was provided in a respectful manner ensuring people’s privacy and dignity was promoted. Where possible people were supported to be as independent as possible.

Support plans were in place which included people’s likes, dislikes and preferences. Plans showed people were involved in their care and set out how they wanted their suppo