Care service put in special measures by regulator

The CQC carried out the inspection following concerns it received about the Northampton-based service

A supported living and personal care service has been downgraded from good to inadequate by a regulator and placed in special measures.

Vogue Future Living Limited in Northampton was inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) between July and September after concerns were reported about the service.

The company provides care support to those living independently and helps prepare clients to move into supported living.

A spokesperson for Vogue Future Living Limited said it had taken "immediate action" since the report, which included appointing a new registered manager.

"We are actively working with the CQC and the local authority to ensure full compliance and continued improvement," they said.

Inspectors found care at the service had deteriorated and was in breach of five regulations in relation to consent, safe care and treatment, safeguarding, management and fit and proper persons.

The provider was rated inadequate in relation to being safe, effective, responsive and well-led.

Greg Reilly, the deputy director of operations in the midlands at the CQC, said staff had not properly assessed people's needs, meaning needs were not always met and people were at risk of harm.

"It was disappointing to see leaders hadn't made sure staff received the appropriate training to support people living with specific needs, such as epilepsy, or information and guidance on how to manage risks," he added.

Lack of transparency

Inspectors found staff were not required to complete any training until they were 12 weeks into the role, which at that point they were already providing support to vulnerable adults.

The watchdog felt the provider was not transparent after it was initially informed six people were receiving personal care, however, in total it was 13.

Mr Reilly said inspectors provided feedback to leaders and managers who were quick to rectify individual issues.

He said: "However, we weren't confident that the actions taken were done with full understanding and consideration of the situation, and sometimes led to other concerns, such as people being left at higher risk."

He concluded the care provider had been told where urgent improvements were needed and the service will be monitored to ensure people are safe.

A spokesperson for Vogue Future Living Limited said: "Vogue Future Living acknowledges the findings from the recent CQC inspection.

"We remain confident in the quality of support we provide, and recent feedback from the people who use our services and their families has been positive.

"Our priority is to ensure safe, person-centred care, and we are committed to making the necessary improvements to demonstrate this."