We rated Ridley Villas as good because:

• Clients received an initial risk assessment prior to admission and risk assessments were updated regularly. Care plans were regularly updated and reviewed with the clients and clients were involved in developing the services recovery focussed programme.

• The service did not use bank or agency staff and sickness was very low.

• The service had good relationships with external agencies and knew how to safeguard clients. Staff received regular supervision and appraisals.

• Staff demonstrated positive, respectful and caring attitudes towards clients. Clients felt supported by staff and able to feedback and contribute to changes in the service.

• The service had clear admission criteria in place and supported patients well during discharge from the service.

• There were efficient systems in place to manage the running of the service and provider visions and values were clear and understood by staff.

We spoke to five people who used the service and they told us they were very happy with the service provided, and that they felt safe. One person who used the service described it as ‘marvellous’ and said that ‘everything is great’.

People said staff spoke to them well and responded to questions and queries, promptly and politely. They also said were aware that they had a care plan and also confirmed that any changes in their care had been discussed with them.

We were told that there were regular house meetings to discuss events, activities, housekeeping issues and that people found these very useful.

People spoken to said that they received support identified straight away and that they had no complaints. They also said they knew who to go to if they had any issues to discuss. People said they had been given a copy of the complaints procedure and we saw that there were posters displayed which showed how to raise issues.

We spoke with two people using the service. They both said that they find Ridley Villas a good place to live. Each person said that they had been given enough information about the service before they came to live there. Both people said that they were satisfied that their privacy and dignity was respected. One person said that the service was arranged to suit her individual needs and changed according to the level of support and assistance she required. She said she met regularly with her key worker and they discussed the support arrangements and these were changed as necessary. People said that they found the accommodation very comfortable and was suited to their needs and those of their children. They said staff listened and took account of their views.

We do not currently rate independent standalone substance misuse services.

We found the following issues that the service provider needs to improve:

• Staff were not trained in and did not have an understanding of the Duty of Candour.
• Staff were not trained in and did not have an understanding of the Mental Capacity Act.
• The provider did not have a policy for the Duty of Candour or the Fit and Proper Persons requirements. 
• The provider had not undertaken all necessary checks to provide assurance that all directors met the requirements of the fit and proper person’s regulation.

However, we also found the following areas of good practice:

• Clients received an initial risk assessment prior to admission and we saw that this risk assessment was updated regularly. Where risks were identified, risk management plans were implemented.
• Care plans were maintained on a secure electronic system and were regularly reviewed with clients. The package of support offered to clients from different services formed the care plans used at Ridley Villas.
• We observed positive interactions between staff and clients which demonstrated compassion, dignity and respect. Clients were very positive about the support from staff at the service, staff attitudes and behaviours.
• The service had good working relationships with local partner agencies.
• The service had not received any formal complaints in the twelve months prior to inspection and clients told us they knew how to make complaints.