We are delighted to announce that our Leeds service has been awarded an ‘Outstanding’ rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), following an inspection in June 2024. This is the highest possible rating given by CQC and a true testament to the dedication and hard work of our incredible Leeds team.

As the largest employee-owned social care provider in the UK, Be Caring is committed to delivering compassionate, high-quality care, and this recognition reflects our values in action.

Highlights from the CQC Report

The report rated Be Caring Leeds as ‘Outstanding’ overall, with specific praise for being caring and well-led. The service also received a ‘good’ rating in the categories of safe, effective and responsive care. This was the first inspection since Be Caring Leeds was registered, making this achievement even more significant.

Values-Based Recruitment 

Sheila Grant, CQC Deputy Director of Operations in the North, shared:

“When we inspected Be Caring Leeds, we were pleased to find people were exceptionally well supported, receiving safe care from kind, passionate staff who went above and beyond to provide a person-centred service which enhanced people’s lives. Leaders had good oversight of what was going on and actively supported staff to deliver exceptional care, spend quality time with people, and use their own initiative to benefit people.”

Commitment to Person-Centred Care

The CQC inspection report highlights the innovative and personalised approach to care taken by Be Caring Leeds. Staff are passionate about their roles and consistently go the extra mile to ensure people receive tailored, compassionate care that makes a meaningful difference in their daily lives.

The report commended several key aspects of our service, including:

• Staff Dedication: Care Workers at Be Caring Leeds are described as kind, compassionate, and passionate about their work. They actively engage with people they support, taking time to understand their histories and preferences, leading to activities that bring joy and fulfilment.
• Comprehensive Care Planning: Care plans and risk assessments are detailed and tailored to each individual, ensuring safe and effective care. Staff make sure that people receive their medications on time, with visits spaced out appropriately to allow for safe administration.
• Supporting Leadership: The service was praised for its strong leadership, which actively encourages staff to provide high-quality, person-centred care. Leaders have clear oversight of the service and are dedicated to continuous improvement.
• Community Engagement: The team at Be Caring Leeds was recognised for their creative initiatives, such as organising events like afternoon tea celebrations, which bring people together and foster a sense of community and connection.

Building a Culture of Excellence

At Be Caring, our employee-owned model ensures that every colleague has a voice in how we operate, creating a supportive and inclusive workplace. This collaborative approach directly impacts the quality of care we provide, as it empowers staff to take ownership of their roles and deliver the care that truly matters.

The ‘Outstanding’ rating reflects our commitment to continuous improvement, fair pay and creating an environment where both colleagues and the people we support can thrive. One of the key innovations highlighted by the CQC is our Block Pay Model, which ensures carers are fairly compensated, including for travel time between visits. This approach helps alleviate pressure on staff, allowing them to focus on delivering high-quality, unhurried care.

Celebrating Our Success

We are incredibly proud of the Be Caring Leeds team for this outstanding achievement. This rating is a reflection of their dedication, passion, and the supportive environment we have built together.

“All the staff at Be Caring Leeds should be really proud of the service they’ve created,” said Sheila Grant. “Other services should look at this report to see if there’s anything they can learn to promote improvements across the sector and to support people to lead their best lives.”

Looking Forward

As we celebrate this achievement, we remain focused on our mission to provide compassionate, high-quality care that respects the dignity and individuality of every person we support. We will continue to build on this success and work collaboratively to enhance the lives of those in our community.

We would like to thank the entire Be Caring Leeds team for their incredible work and dedication, as well as everyone who has trusted us to provide their care. Your feedback and support are invaluable as we continue to grow and innovate.

You can read the full CQC report here.