Social care provider rated 'Outstanding' by CQC

Future Directions staff and clients celebrate

A social care provider which supports adults in Rochdale, has been rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) following an inspection in October 2019.

Future Directions CIC are a not for profit social enterprise that provides support to adults with mental health needs, learning disabilities, physical disabilities, acquired brain injuries, dementia etc. across the north of England, including Rochdale.

CQC Inspectors found that ‘the service was extremely well-managed. The organisation was forward-thinking and provided a culture of innovation’.

In the report the CQC also said: “Without exception everyone we spoke to was full of praise for the service and its staff. The services was driven by its fives values - put people first, be transparent, go the extra mile, be creative, be adaptable. Throughout our observations and discussions with people and staff we saw that the service truly put these values into action.”

Staff working for Future Directions were also praised as being caring and compassionate and providing safe, responsive, caring, effective and well-led care. The report said: “The staff were highly motivated and proud to work for an organisation which valued and praised its staff.”

The CQC inspection team was impressed by the level of care and support offered to people and the report said: “Future Directions CIC provided people with an exceptionally personalized service which met their support needs, preferences and wishes and which helped them live full and meaningful lives.”

Paula Braynion, Managing Director of Future Directions said: “I am delighted that we have received the ‘Outstanding’ rating. I know it means so much to our teams and the people we support to have this recognition. For me, the most important recognition from the CQC inspection was the fact that CQC could see and evidence how our values were being lived out and making a real difference to people’s lives.”

Alan Jefferson, Chair of Future Directions said: “This is a tremendous achievement. Less than 4% of the services in the country are judged Outstanding. It is also generally thought to be easier for a service that provides care in a single location to achieve this high level of success. For an organisation that provides care in as many places as we do in Future Directions is a truly amazing achievement. We and the members of the Future Directions Board are delighted.”