Working at Chirnside House
Abbeyfield Close, Lancaster, LA1 4NL
Operated by Abbeyfield Lancaster Society Limited(The)
30 bedsResidential homes
Workplace Score
4.6/10
AI analysis of latest data
Our AI workplace review
PlainSight AI Review
Last updated: 10 February 2026
Score: 4.6/10
Key Finding
"Caring staff and strong safety measures shine through, but recruitment shortfalls and lack of provider oversight hold it back."
Safety & Risk
6/10
✓
People were safe and protected from abuse. Staff were trained in safeguarding, knew when to report abuse. Risks associated with people's care were identified and actions taken to mitigate risks.
Staff Culture
6/10
✓
One professional told us, 'Really good, really caring staff. I don't think I have had anything negative said to me.'
Staffing Levels
3/10
✕
The provider's recruitment policy and practices did not ensure staff were recruited safely. There were shortfalls in relation to employment histories and references for some staff.
Training & Dev
5/10
!
Per 2018 comprehensive inspection: Staff told us they valued the training they received to enable them to fulfil their roles.
Management
4/10
!
The provider did not have governance systems in place to monitor the performance of the service.
Programmes
3/10
✕
Per 2018 comprehensive inspection: We noted there were activity resources available... one person chose to do a jigsaw and a further person chose to do some drawing.
Points to consider
Recruitment misses full job histories and references for some staff, so safer hiring checks are needed.
Gaps included incomplete employment histories, not asking all required questions under the regulations, not including reference evidence information, dates of employment not matching references received.
No proper oversight from the provider means the manager lacks checks and support on running the home.
There were no checks on the performance of the registered manager's practice by the provider to drive improvements and ensure knowledge in all areas.
No activities coordinator or varied programme, just basic things like jigsaws so days feel routine.
Per 2018 comprehensive inspection: There was an activity programme on display. Staff told us they offered people... the opportunity of being involved in activities... one person chose to do a jigsaw and a further person chose to do some drawing.
AI Generated
CQC Inspection Overview
CQC Inspection
Last inspected: June 2023
Requires improvement
Safe
!
Requires improvement
Effective
✓
Good
Caring
✓
Good
Responsive
✓
Good
Management Quality
Well-led: Requires improvement
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- Care Quality Commission (CQC) Inspection Data
- PlainSight staff reviews