When we visited the trust we spoke with 13 members of staff from a range of backgrounds. We also spoke with two Governors and a member of the public.

We gathered evidence of people’s experiences of the service by reviewing information the trust had gathered regarding people’s experiences of the service. We found that, in general, people were happy with the treatment they had received at the trust. For example, in the trust’s experience of service questionnaire 46 out of 51 respondents (90%) described their experience of the trust as “very helpful” or “helpful”.

We found that people’s views and experiences were taken into account in the way the service was provided and delivered in relation to their care.

There was evidence that people’s needs were assessed and care and treatment was planned and delivered in line with their individual care plan.

People who use the service were protected from the risk of abuse because the provider had taken reasonable steps to identify the possibility of abuse and prevent abuse from happening.

People were cared for by staff who were supported to deliver care and treatment safely and to an appropriate standard. Appropriate checks were undertaken before staff began work and staff received appropriate professional development.

The provider had an effective system to regularly assess and monitor the quality of service that people receive and there was an effective complaints system available.

People who use the service told us they felt treated with dignity and respect. They discussed the available care and treatment options with clinicians, before agreeing the type of treatment they needed and when they wanted it.

They said the quality of treatment, care and support they received from trained and competent staff was good and delivered appropriately.

They did not comment directly on the support staff received from the trust or the quality assurance and safeguarding systems in place. They did tell us that there was frequent contact with the trust whenever they required it and were satisfied with the service they were getting and the staff who delivered it.

This inspection focussed on the services the trust provides for children and adolescents. We met with staff from the South Camden CAMHS (Child and adolescent mental health service), which is provided by the trust. We also met with staff from a range specialist services provided by the trust. This included the Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS), the Adolescent and Young Adult Service, and the service for people with disabilities, including children on the autistic spectrum, and their families.

During the inspection we spoke with 17 members of staff and carried out observations of team meetings and training. We also spoke with some young people who were using the service.

We looked at the responses to the trust’s experience of service questionnaire. In general the responses were very positive. The following are examples of some of the comments received:

“I learned how to build up my confidence and sort out my problems.”

“The people was [sic] listening to me and helping me with my problems.”

“That it is consistent and regular and I get good advice on my issues.”

We found that people’s views and experiences were taken into account in the way the service was provided and delivered in relation to their care.

People experienced care, treatment and support that met their needs and protected their rights.

People’s health, safety and welfare was protected when more than one provider was involved in their care and treatment, or when they moved between different services. This was because the provider worked in co-operation with others.

People were cared for by staff who were supported to deliver care and treatment safely and to an appropriate standard.

The provider had an effective system to regularly assess and monitor the quality of service that people receive.