ESPA Agency

Date of Assessment: 12 August to 11 November 2025. ESPA Agency provides personal care to people living in supported living accommodation, with a learning disability or autistic spectrum disorder. At the time of the assessment 7 people received personal care across 3 supported living housing schemes. We assessed the service due to the length of time since the last inspection. We assessed the service against ‘Right support, right care, right culture’ guidance to make judgements about whether the provider guaranteed people with a learning disability and autistic people respect, equality, dignity, choices, independence and good access to local communities that most people take for granted. We found the service was meeting the principles of Right support, right care, right culture. Systems and processes were in place to assess risks to people and ensure they were safeguarded from avoidable harm. The provider learned from accidents and incidents to mitigate future risks. Infection prevention and control processes were in place and followed by staff. There were enough trained and competent staff to support people and keep them safe. Staff safely administered and managed people’s medicines. A relative said, “[Person] has medication and staff support him safely with it.” Staff supported people with their nutritional needs and to access a range of health care professionals, when needed. People were supported to have maximum choice and control of their lives, and staff supported them in the least restrictive way possible. The policies and systems in the service supported this practice. Staff supported people in a kind, caring way and respected their decisions and choices. Staff focused on people’s strengths and promoted what they could do, so people had a fulfilling and meaningful everyday life. A staff member told us, “I take pride in making a positive impact on people’s lives.” People received person-centred care and support plans detailed how they wished to be supported. Staff knew how to effectively communicate with people and different communication methods were detailed in care records. People were supported by staff to pursue their interests. The service was well-led. Feedback received from people, relatives, staff and a health and social care professional about the service was very positive. A relative told us, “In my capacity as [health professional] I have seen many examples of poor care providers in the sector. However, ESPA are outstanding. The organisation absolutely has good values and are a shining light in the care sector. They never give up on anybody.” The provider had an effective quality assurance process in place which included regular audits. People, relatives and staff were regularly consulted about the quality of the service through regular communication, surveys, meetings and reviews.

ESPA Agency received a Good rating across all five key questions at its first rated inspection in March–May 2018, demonstrating safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led care for adults with autism spectrum disorder. One recommendation was made to adopt a true supported living model of care rather than operating organisational business from within people's own homes.

ESPA Agency received its first inspection since recommencing operations on 1 December 2016, with only 15 people in receipt of personal care at the time; the service was inspected but not rated across all five key questions. No regulatory breaches were identified and early indicators were positive, but insufficient operational history prevented CQC from assessing the sustainability of service provision.