EmpowerHouse Ltd

Inspection report for supported accommodation provider - monitoring visit: EmpowerHouse Ltd 1 EmpowerHouse Ltd

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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provider

EmpowerHouse Limited registered with Ofsted on 24 October 2024 to provide ring- fenced supported accommodation.

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provider

The nominated individual is also the director of the company. The registered service manager role is held by a different individual.

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provider

At the time of registration, the provider had seven properties offering supported accommodation for up to 34 children. At the time of this visit, the provider had the same number of properties registered.

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provider

This visit was announced approximately one hour in advance. On the day of this visit, five children were placed with this provider.

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provider

The inspectors visited three properties and spoke with one child, the nominated individual, the registered service manager, the deputy manager, three home managers, a trainee home manager and a support worker. The designated safeguarding lead who is also the human resources manager was also present for a group interview.

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This monitoring visit

The purpose of this visit was to investigate information Ofsted had received which suggested there may be a breach of regulations.

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This monitoring visit

Ofsted received a list of concerns from an anonymous whistle-blower. The concerns related to the exploitation of sponsored staff, poor treatment of staff, a toxic management culture and the neglect of children’s needs. There was also a concern that the provider concentrated on profit over staff safety. Inspection report for supported accommodation provider - monitoring visit: EmpowerHouse Ltd 2 The majority of the concerns highlighted are unsubstantiated. Some shortfalls were found in the leadership and management of the organisation. Leaders and managers did not fully understand the requirements of The Supported Accommodation Regulations 2023.

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This monitoring visit

Leaders and managers have not been following their organisation’s notification policy. The policy outlines the events which require notification to Ofsted and what is considered to be serious. Ofsted has not been informed of a series of serious incidents. Ofsted has not been notified of disciplinary action being taken against a staff member for gross misconduct. Ofsted has not been informed when children have been admitted to hospital overnight and when there have been instances of significant self-harm.

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This monitoring visit

Staff do not always feel valued by all layers of management. At times there appears to be a culture of staff fear. It was highlighted that the CCTV in one home also records sound. This resulted in staff not feeling able to openly share their views with an inspector.

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This monitoring visit

Staff highlighted the anxiety caused by some of them having freelance employment contracts. Some staff expressed concerns regarding the workload and how some decisions are made. The organisation is currently implementing a computerised system, which aims to help with staff record-keeping.

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This monitoring visit

Staff feel well supported by the registered service manager, who regularly visits the homes. Staff would like the nominated individual to visit the homes more often and to have the opportunity to discuss instructions received from the nominated individual by email. This action, however, is not legally required by the nominated individual.

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This monitoring visit

The organisation provides a range of support measures for staff. They receive regular supervision, ongoing training and appraisals and have regular team meetings and debrief and development sessions. Employee counselling and a reward scheme are also available.

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This monitoring visit

The morale of staff does not impact on the support they offer to children. Staff spoke very positively about children. They express pride in children’s progress and their positive outcomes. Staff work tirelessly to motivate children and encourage them to achieve their goals.

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This monitoring visit

Children are making progress. The majority of children are attending college. Children are aspirational and their accomplishments include receiving an educational achievement reward. Children are learning independent living skills, and during the Inspection report for supported accommodation provider - monitoring visit: EmpowerHouse Ltd 3 visit one child was cooking with their family. Children also receive support with their emotional well-being and personal development.

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This monitoring visit

Children receive support appropriate to their needs. They benefit from specialist workers to encourage them and form meaningful relationships with them. When there are concerns, meetings are held with children’s social workers and alternative accommodation is requested. There was no evidence that the provider is prioritising profit over the safety of staff.

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This monitoring visit

The organisation manages the staff sponsorship scheme appropriately. Leaders and managers benefit from specific Home Office training to inform their practice. Eight staff members are sponsored from abroad. Sponsored staff are treated equally, having access to vocational training and promotions. Sponsored staff receive a competitive wage on a par with their colleagues.

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This monitoring visit

Inspectors concluded that the provider remains fit for registration. No concerns were highlighted which impact on children. Most of the issues highlighted to Ofsted were not upheld. There was no evidence of staff exploitation. Shortfalls relate to leadership and management and the notification process. Ofsted is raising requirements to address these issues. Inspection report for supported accommodation provider - monitoring visit: EmpowerHouse Ltd 4

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Statutory requirements

This section sets out the actions that the registered person(s) must take to meet the Care Standards Act 2000, The Supported Accommodation (England) Regulations 2023 and the ‘Guide to the Supported Accommodation Regulations, including Quality Standards’. The registered person(s) must comply within the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must notify the CIECSS and any relevant person without delay if—

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Requirement Due date

a child is involved in or subject to, or is suspected of being involved in or subject to, sexual exploitation or child criminal exploitation;

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Requirement Due date

an incident requiring police involvement occurs in relation to a child and the registered person considers that incident to be serious;

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Requirement Due date

there is an allegation of abuse against the supported accommodation undertaking or a person working for it;

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Requirement Due date

a child protection enquiry— is instigated, or concludes (in which case, the notification must include the outcome of the child protection enquiry);

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Requirement Due date

there is an incident involving the use of a measure of restraint of a child;

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Requirement Due date

there is any other incident relating to a child which the registered person considers to be serious. (Regulation 27 (3)) 07 April 2025

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Requirement Due date

The leadership and management standard is that the registered person enables, inspires and leads a culture in relation to the supported accommodation undertaking that puts children first and prioritises their wellbeing and development.

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to— 07 April 2025 Inspection report for supported accommodation provider - monitoring visit: EmpowerHouse Ltd 5 lead and manage the supported accommodation undertaking in a way that is consistent with the ethos, and delivers the outcomes, set out in the undertaking’s statement of purpose. (Regulation 4 (1) (2)(a))

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Requirement Due date

The accommodation standard is that children experience a comfortable and secure living environment.

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Requirement Due date

In particular, the standard in paragraph (1) requires the registered person to—

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Requirement Due date

only use devices for monitoring or surveillance in communal areas and then only if—

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Requirement Due date

the monitoring or surveillance is for the purposes of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children,

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Requirement Due date

each child’s accommodating authority consents to the monitoring or surveillance,

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Requirement Due date

children are informed in advance of the intention to carry out monitoring or surveillance, and

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Requirement Due date

the monitoring or surveillance is no more intrusive than necessary, having regard to each child’s need for privacy. (Regulation 6 (1) (2)(c)) 07 April 2025

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Information about this inspection

The purpose of this visit was to follow up information received by Ofsted and/or to ensure that the supported accommodation provider was complying with regulation.

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Information about this inspection

This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000. Inspection report for supported accommodation provider - monitoring visit: EmpowerHouse Ltd 6

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Supported accommodation provider details

Registered provider address: 35 Brookfield, Woking GU21 3AA

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Supported accommodation provider details

Registered service manager: Dhanlaxmi Gandhi

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Inspectors

Sharon Payne, Social Care Inspector Ann Adesoye, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for supported accommodation provider - monitoring visit: EmpowerHouse Ltd 7 to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children’s social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children’s services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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