Ballantrae Rural Initiative Care in the Community Ltd

1. The service should ensure that all personal plans include a clear and detailed pen profile at the front of the plan, reflecting what matters most to the person, their preferences, routines, and important aspects of their life. This would strengthen the person centred approach and support staff—particularly new or relief workers—to deliver care that is meaningful and consistent with the individual’s wishes. This is to ensure that care and support is consistent with the Health and Social Care Standards (HSCS) which state that: 'My care and support meets my needs and is right for me’ (HSCS 1.19)

2. The service should develop and maintain a small, dynamic risk register for people who are experiencing increased risks, such as frequent falls, refusals of personal care, or other emerging concerns. This would support ongoing monitoring, help the manager prioritise follow up with social work where needs are escalating, and ensure that risks are addressed promptly and effectively. This is to ensure that care and support is consistent with the Health and Social Care Standards (HSCS) which state that: 1.13 - I am assessed by a qualified person, who involves other people and professionals as required. 1.14 - My future care and support needs are anticipated as part of my assessment. 1.15 - My personal plan (sometimes referred to as a care plan) is right for me because it sets out how my needs will be met, as well as my wishes and choices.

1. The provider should ensure that the manager has sufficient administrative and operational support to carry out their role effectively, including strengthening administrative cover and progressing recruitment to stabilise the staffing structure. This would reduce the need for the manager and director to cover care shifts and would allow improved oversight, leadership, and development of the service. This is to ensure care and support is consistent with the Health and Social Care Standards (HSCS): 3.14 - I have confidence in people because they are trained, competent and skilled, are able to reflect on their practice and follow their professional and organisational codes.

2. The provider should strengthen the staff training programme to ensure the workforce has the skills, knowledge, and confidence required to provide safe and high quality care. This should include: • Introducing a blended training model that includes face to face sessions, practical skills training, observed competencies, and opportunities for reflective practice. • Developing and maintaining a training matrix to track completion rates, refresher dates, and identified learning needs. • Ensuring staff receive training aligned to the needs of the people they support, such as adult support and protection, medication support, managing stress and distress, and communication approaches. This is to ensure care and support is consistent with the Health and Social Care Standards (HSCS): • 3.14 “I have confidence in people because they are trained, competent and skilled, are able to reflect on their practice and follow their professional and organisational codes.” This is to ensure care and support is consistent with the Health and Social Care Standards (HSCS): 5.17 My environment is secure and safe. 5.18 My environment is relaxed, welcoming, peaceful and free from avoidable and intrusive noise and smells. 5.19 My environment has plenty of natural light and fresh air, and the lighting, ventilation and heating can be adjusted. 5.24 I experience an environment that is well looked after with clean, tidy and well maintained premises, furnishings and equipment.