This was an announced inspection, which took place on the 4 and 6 October 2016. Our last inspection report was published in June 2013. All the regulations we reviewed at that time were met.

Lancashire Domiciliary Care Services is run by Brothers of Charity and is part of a wider service, which also provides day care, supported employment and residential and nursing care to people with learning disabilities in the Chorley and South Ribble areas. Lancashire Domiciliary Care Services is registered to provide personal care. Support is provided both to individuals living in their own home and to people living in small group settings. At the time of our inspection there were 150 people using the service.

The service has a registered manager. 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 were involved and consulted with about their needs and wishes. Care records provided good information to direct staff in the support people wanted and needed. Where risks had been identified, plans had been put in place to help protect people. Information was provided in an ‘easy read’ format so that people could understand what was written about them. Records were stored securely ensuring confidentiality was maintained.

Staff understood their responsibilities in ensuring people were protected from the risk of abuse. The service had acted accordingly when issues needed to be raised and investigated so that appropriate action was taken and people were kept safe.

We found staff understood the principles of the Mental Capacity Act. Where people lacked the mental capacity to make decisions for themselves appropriate steps were taken to ensure their rights were protected.

We found the system for managing medicines was safe. Staff worked closely with healthcare agencies so that people received the care and treatment they needed. Information was shared with other services, where necessary, so that people continued to receive safe and effective care.

Sufficient numbers of staff were available to meet the individual needs of people so that their social, emotional and physical needs were met. Recruitment procedures were thorough so that only suitable applicants were appointed.

Staff received on-going training, development and support. This helped to ensure staff had the knowledge and skills needed to meet the specific needs of people who used the service.

During our inspection we saw staff treating people with respect and dignity. People and their relatives were complimentary about their experiences and the support staff provided. We saw interactions between staff and the people who used the service were warm, friendly and relaxed.

People were encouraged and supported, where necessary, to take part in social, educational and employment opportunities based on their individual wishes and preferences. This helped to promote people’s independence and community presence.

People were encouraged to choose healthy and nutritious food. Where people were at risk, due to a poor diet, appropriate health care advice had been sought.

We saw accommodation provided for people in the shared houses was of a good standard and was clean and well maintained. Checks were made to the premises and servicing of equipment. This helps to ensure the safety and well-being of everybody living, working and visiting the home.

Systems to monitor and review the service provided were in place to check that people received a quality service. People, their relatives and staff spoke positively about the management team in place. People and their relatives told us the managers and staff were approachable and felt confident they would listen and respond if any concerns were raised.

People who used the service indicated that they were happy with the service. One of the service users we spoke to nodded and gave us the 'thumbs up' when asked if they were happy and felt safe with the care and support they received. It was evident that activities took place, one service users told us, "I go to church every Sunday". They also attended a singing group, had regular visits from family and took part in therapy sessions.

Medicines were being managed well, so that those people needing assistance with their medication were protected from any associated risks. Staff received mandatory training for medication administration and regular checks were made by managers to assess staff competency. Medicines were stored safely.

Staff were competent in carrying out their roles. An effective supervision and appraisal system and training programme was in place for all staff.

Appropriate systems were in place to regularly assess and monitor the quality of services that people receive. Internal and external auditing systems were used.

During this visit we spoke with four people who used the service. They told us how they were treated with respect and encouraged to do things for themselves. People told us how they were consulted about the care and support they needed and were involved in discussions about their care.

All the people we spoke with said they were happy with the care and support they

received. Comments included, "I really like my key worker; we get on really well", "I talk to my key worker and other staff about what I want to do" and "They know what I like to do".

Two people who we spoke with told us they were treated well and had no concerns about the service or with individual care staff. Everyone we spoke with made positive comments about the staff team. One person said, "I like all the staff; they are really good".

We spoke with two staff members at length and with six other members of staff. They told us they were given the training, support and supervision they needed. Comments included, "The training is very thorough" and "We have regular discussions within the staff team; this helps us to provide the best service". They also said, "I love working here" and "I've always enjoyed working for the service".