This inspection took place on 4 October 2018 and was announced. The provider was given at least 48 hours' notice because the location provides a supported living service for people who are often out during the day. This was the first inspection of the service.

Explicit Care Solutions Office provided support to 12 people, living in three ‘supported living’ settings, so that they can live in their own home as independently as possible. People’s care and housing are provided under separate contractual agreements. CQC does not regulate premises used for supported living; this inspection looked at people’s personal care and support. At the time of our inspection eight people were being supported with personal care.

There was a registered manager at this service. 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.

People told us they felt the service was safe, staff were kind and the care received was good. We found staff had a good understanding of their responsibility with regard to safeguarding adults.

Risk assessments were in place which provided guidance on how to support people safely. There were sufficient numbers of suitable staff employed by the service. Staff had been recruited safely with appropriate checks on their backgrounds completed. People were supported with medicines.

Staff undertook training and received regular supervision to help support them to provide effective care. Staff we spoke with had a good understanding of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA). MCA is a legislation protecting people who are unable to make decisions for themselves. People had capacity to make decisions for themselves.

Person centred support plans were in place and people were involved in planning the care and support they received.

People had access to a wide variety of activities within the community. People’s cultural and religious needs were respected when planning and delivering care. Discussions with staff members showed that they respected people’s sexual orientation so that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people could feel accepted and welcomed in the service.

The provider had a complaint procedure in place. People knew how to make a complaint.

At the time of our inspection the service did not have any people receiving end of life care. The nominated individual advised us that the service would update the support and risk assessment records so end of life wishes could be explored.

Staff told us the registered manager was supportive. People liked the registered manager and found her helpful. The service had various quality assurance and monitoring mechanisms in place.