A housing support service has been heavily praised by the Care Inspectorate after it received a five star review for its services.

Blackwood’s North Support Services recently underwent an unannounced inspection which saw it awarded five stars for its close attention to customer care, highly supportive staff and continuous implementation of support which aims to further improve customer and staff experiences.

The Inspection Report accredited five star grades to the “staffing”, “care and support” and “management and leadership” categories.

In particular, Blackwood was heavily praised by those at the heart of its service, its customers, who highlighted the staff’s continuous efforts to allow them to maintain their independence, ensure that they are a part of their community and have the opportunity to try new experiences.

Staff were also found to be attentive and approachable, as well as being respectful and considerate of customers’ opinions. Not only did staff seek out customer feedback, they also acted on it, therefore having a positive impact on people’s lives.

Linda McKay, manager of Raeden Court, one of the Support Services in the North region, was thrilled with the Care Inspectorate report and its five-star review of the provision.

Linda said: “Customers and staff were thrilled with the five star score. Such a score provides a great representation of how hard the staff work and highlights Blackwood’s aim of putting the health and wellbeing of our customers at the centre of everything we do.

“We are very focused on ensuring our management team is supported and kept up-to-date with the best practices and wider developments that impact on the local service.

“All of our staff receive regular supervisions, have a high level of training and are enthusiastic and committed to their roles.

“There is definitely a real sense of a team ethic across the North and we are confident that our customers know and have working relationships with staff, to such a level where they feel able to express their needs freely.”

Linda strives to keep improving the service and is thankful to the Care Inspectorate for providing further key points for the North to work on.

She added: “We are always trying to improve our service therefore it’s great to receive feedback from the Care Inspectorate on how to do this.”

Blackwood chief executive, Fanchea Kelly, was also delighted with the outcome of the Inspection Report.

Fanchea said: “I’m really pleased with the five star review the North received for its committed and attentive staff and it’s great that the customers feel so at home and confident about sharing their opinions.

“It’s a testament to Blackwood’s commitment to providing a high level of care and support to customers and a further demonstration of our determination to provide respected and praised levels of care.

“The people who use Blackwood services are at the heart of shaping its future. Their experiences and input steer policy and innovation through involvement at all levels.

“Therefore, it’s fantastic to know that one of the key strengths in the North is the care and support provided by the staff.”