Working at Downshire House
9, Downshire Square, Reading, RG1 6NJ
Operated by Aston Care Limited
8 bedsResidential homes
Workplace Score
5.2/10
AI analysis of latest data
Our AI workplace review
PlainSight AI Review
Last updated: 10 February 2026
Score: 5.2/10
Key Finding
"Regular training, supervisions and low staff turnover foster a supportive culture, but no registered manager yet and limited activities hold it back."
Safety & Risk
4/10
!
The service was not always safe... we reviewed a risk assessment that related to a staff member who was subject to an adverse DBS check, the document did not contain sufficient information... digital system had not been fully decommissioned.
Staff Culture
6/10
✓
Staff consistently told us the manager and area manager had developed an open and supportive culture... The manager motivated and inspired staff, which had resulted in a strong team spirit and high levels of staff satisfaction.
Staffing Levels
6/10
✓
Since the last inspection, staff turnover was low... people and relatives told us there were always enough staff on duty to meet people's needs... confirmed by staff feedback and rotas.
Training & Dev
8/10
✓
Staff had received regular supervisions and an annual appraisal... face to face training since you last came, in safeguarding, mental capacity and reducing restrictive practice... competency checks including observations.
Management
2/10
✕
At the time of our inspection there was not a registered manager in post. The former deputy manager had been recently appointed as the manager and had applied to register with the CQC.
Programmes
3/10
✕
We observed support in communal areas, for example, during meal preparation and activities in the lounge, dining room and garden... enough staff... to provide stimulating activities.
Points to consider
No permanent manager in place yet, just a new one who has applied to register and is being mentored.
At the time of our inspection there was not a registered manager in post. The former deputy manager had been recently appointed as the manager and had applied to register with the CQC.
Some safety processes still have gaps, like a staff risk assessment missing details and old recording system not fully shut down.
we reviewed a risk assessment that related to a staff member who was subject to an adverse DBS check, the document did not contain sufficient information... the digital system had not been fully decommissioned and staff were still recording entries.
No details on a structured activities programme or coordinator, so mostly routine tasks like meal prep.
We observed support in communal areas, for example, during meal preparation and activities in the lounge, dining room and garden.
AI Generated
CQC Inspection Overview
CQC Inspection
Last inspected: August 2023
Requires improvement
Safe
!
Requires improvement
Effective
✓
Good
Caring
!
Requires improvement
Responsive
!
Requires improvement
Management Quality
Well-led: Good
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- Care Quality Commission (CQC) Inspection Data
- PlainSight staff reviews