The latest CQC report recognises a safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led home that supports people to live with dignity, independence and choice. The turnaround follows a period of focused improvement, with a new Registered Manager, new provider oversight and strong support from across Achieve together.
Where previous concerns had centred around safety, restrictive practices and leadership, the new report praises the “culture of openness and learning,” the “robust systems” in place, and the way the home now puts people first in every decision.
One person supported told inspectors:
“I feel safe because I am now really happy. The team around me help me feel that way.”
The inspection also noted creative and inclusive practices, such as the use of Achieve together’s “wheel of engagement,” which helps people visualise and shape their relationships with family, friends, and community.
This achievement demonstrates what’s possible with the right support, values and leadership – and it’s a proud moment for everyone involved.
“This is more than a change in rating – it’s a real, human transformation. It shows what we can achieve when we listen, learn and lead together,” said, Jane Neil, Head of Area Operations, Achieve together.
Also worth celebrating is the improved CQC rating recently achieved by Byfield Court, another local home in our network, which has moved from ‘Requires Improvement’ to ‘Good’ in its latest inspection – further evidence of the organisation’s commitment to high-quality, person-centred care and support.
“Getting a home from ‘Inadequate’ to ‘Good’ is no small feat – it takes strong leadership, an exceptional team effort, and a deep commitment to the many people we support. I’m so proud of the St Albans team, the wider leadership, and everyone who played a part in this journey. Not only have we achieved a ‘Good’ rating, but we’ve received excellent feedback from people we support and their families. Across Achieve together, we’ve reduced the number of ‘Inadequate’-rated homes to just one in the past year, and we continue to work closely with CQC on upcoming reinspection’s. I’m confident that based on our internal audits, many of those rated ‘Requires Improvement’ will soon move forward too.” – Zak Houlahan, CEO, Achieve together.
Read the press release from the CQC following the report being published here.
