Working at Stratford Court

Managers' quality checks missed issues like out of date records and poor oversight, so problems build up unnoticed.

The provider's quality assurance systems were not being used effectively, had not provided effective oversight of the service and had failed to identify a number of concerns.

Recruitment checks are spotty, missing job history follow-ups and criminal record checks on some staff files.

Staff files did not always demonstrate a robust and effective recruitment process... no evidence to show gaps in staffs' employment history were being explored. Also... no evidence of a Disclosure and Barring check.

Staff skills checks like moving and handling are out of date for several workers, with no regular reviews.

Records demonstrating staff competency checks in moving and handling were out of date. We found 5 staff had not had their competencies checked in over 12 months.