1 4th Jan , 2016,

Northern Ireland AssociationFor

Mental Health

Inspire Wellbeing

The Heathers Supported Living Services

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

24 HOUR SUPPORTED HOUSING

Responsible Officer: Mrs Susan Mc Bride Ratified by: Mr Peter McBride

Review Date: March, 2017

Index of Contents

Page No

1. Introduction1 - 4

2. Organisational Structure 4

3. Quality Assurance 5

4. Philosophy of Care 5

5. Aims and Objectives 5-6

6. Therapeutic Process 7

7. Responsibilities 7 8. Referral Groups 7 -89. Staffing Structure – The Heathers

910. Volunteers 1011. Operational Meetings 1012. Number of Service Users to be accommodated

1013. Categories of Care

1014. Admissions Criteria 10 - 1216. Arrangements for Completing Reviews with Service Users

13

17. Arrangements for Service Users re social activities 1318. Arrangement in place for consultation with Service Users

1419. Storage and Administration of Medication 1420. Fire Precautions and Emergency Procedures

1421. Arrangements for meeting Service User’s Spiritual Needs

15

Page No.

22. Arrangements in place for Social Contact 15

23. Arrangements for dealing with Complaints15 - 17

24. Maintaining Privacy and Dignity of Inspire Service Users 19

25. Leaving Procedure 19

26. Transfer Procedure 19 - 2027. Record Keeping 20 - 2128. Date Approved 2129. Review Date

21

INTRODUCTION

Inspire (one of the departments within the Northern Ireland Association for Mental Health) provides Domiciliary Supported Housing for people with Learning Disability and Complex Needs throughout Northern Ireland. This comprises of group living and 24 hour care in purpose built registered schemes and a number of homes in the community. Our schemes are provided in conjunction with a Housing Association. All of our Supported Housing Schemes are fully staffed and provide care and support at all times.

Our Supported Housing Schemes are aimed at supporting people with Learning Disability achieve independent living in the community. Our trained staff create a sense of individual belonging with Inspire Service Users contributing to all aspects of home life. Depending on their level of capability, they share responsibility (with staff support) for shopping, menu planning and preparation of meals for each other. Inspire Service Users are involved in all the day-to-day decisions concerning them and their opinions are actively sought. This combined with good relationships between staff and Inspire Service Users is essential in maintaining happiness and contentment for everyone within the scheme.

Inspire’s principles of supporting independence enable Service Users to build confidence and self-esteem and develop the skills necessary to live productive and satisfying lives.

Service Objectives

Our service aims to meet the following service objectives –

To deliver a high quality service that promotes, improves or sustains service user’s quality of life.

To ensure staff are competent, responsible and trained to undertake the activities for which they are employed.

To ensure service users are aware of the procedures for making complaints.

To provide opportunities for service user involvement within the Organization

To monitor services to ensure that the service is run in the best interests of service users.

To work in partnership with service users and all relevant agencies and comply with all relevant statutory requirements for the provision of care services.

Registered Provider

The organisation registered with the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority as the Registered Provider for INSPIRE WELLBEING LTD:

Responsible Person:

Professor Peter McBrideChief Executive OfficerNiamhBeacon House80 University StreetBelfastBT7 1HE

Relevant Qualifications:

BSc. Hons. Bachelor of Science in Applied Biology (Liverpool John Moores University)BD Hons. Bachelor of Divinity (University of Aberdeen)MSW. Masters in Social Work (Queens University Belfast)DipSW. Diploma in Social Work (Queens University Belfast)Advanced Diploma in the Management of Psychological Trauma (Nottingham Trent University) Experience:

Group Chief Executive – Niamh – from 01/11/10 to presentPrinciple Duties:

Overall responsibility for the work of the organisation, reporting directly to the Chairman of the Board.

Developing and implementing strategies for delivering the aims and objectives of the organisation.

Leading the Senior Management Team in the successful delivery & implementation of strategy.

Delivery of financial results, against formally agreed targets, to the Board.

Promoting & raising the awareness of the organisation at Senior Management Level, including the generation of income and successful bidding for financial resources.

Direct engagement with the Board in promoting the principles of effective corporate governance

Representing the organisation in the media and in public forums.

Management of risk.

Director for Change & Innovation for Niamh - from 01/04/09-31/03/10Principle Duties:

Develop a 5 year modernisation strategy for Niamh Undertake an organisational structural review and implement

changes

Managing Director of Carecall NI Ltd – from 01/12/01 - 31/03/09Principle Duties:

Delivery of strategy as devised by the Board of Carecall. As a member of the Board, to participate fully in the

development of strategy. Management of Risk – creation of reporting mechanisms and

mitigations. Financial management of the organisation. Management of senior staff. Production of regular management reports for the Board. Delivery of high level consultancy products. Participation in the preparation and delivery of bids for new

contracts. High level contract relationship management. Representing Carecall to other stakeholders and in the media.

Additionally, Peter is a visiting Professor of the University of Ulster Bamford Centre for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Trustee of BBC Children in Need and Trustee of NICVA.

Registered Manager: (Supported Living Services)

Mrs. Susan Mc Bride: Area Service Manager, The Heathers, Inspire Wellbeing

Relevant Qualifications

QCF Level 5 Health and Social Care ManagementNVQ Level 4 Management and LeadershipNVQ Level 4 Health and Social Care

Experience

Susan has over twenty two years’ experience working in a variety of health and social care for older people and people with learning disabilities and mental ill health.

Nursing assistant working with older people: 1993 – 1994Support assistant for adults with learning disabilities: 1994 – 1995Day Care worker for adults with learning Disabilities: 1995 -2000Senior Day Care Worker for Adults with learning Disabilities: 2000

– 2007Team Leader for adults with learning Disabilities: 2007 - 2012Deputy Service Manager for adults with Learning Disabilities:

2012 Service Manager for Adults with learning Disabilities: 2012 – 2014Area Service Manager for Adults with learning Disabilities: 2014 – 2016 (present)

2. Organisational Structure

Inspire Charity Reference Number:  XT 21440Company Number NI 073751

A range of supported living services are also delivered in the Belfast, Antrim and Lisburn areas for adults with learning disabilities and complex needs. The organisation also delivers services in Omagh within registered residential care for adults with learning disabilities and complex needs.

The following staff structure supports and manages the delivery of care services within The Heathers Supported Living Services, Armagh.

DIRECTOR: (strategic responsibility)

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (strategic and operational responsibility)

AREA MANAGER (services management)

DEPUTY MANAGERS (service management)

TEAM LEADERS (shift lead responsibility and direct care)

SUPPORT WORKERS (direct care)

Useful Telephone Numbers

Assistant Director Registered Manager: Mervyn Garrett: 07545503490

Area Manager: Susan McBride: 07809341082Deputy Area Manager: Oonagh Mulholland: 07501487041Team Leader: 07850650073

The Heathers: 02837522209

3. Quality Assurance

Inspire strives continually to maintain and improve on the requirements of the following quality assurance standards.

The Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s (NIHE) Quality Assessment Framework standards have been adopted and implemented within all supported housing schemes.

RQIA regulate domiciliary care within the Supported Housing schemes.

All staff involved in supporting and caring for Inspire Service Users undertake an Induction and PMS objective setting process within their probationary period.

A comprehensive essential training programme is in place for Niamh staff and volunteers.

Announced and unannounced visits to the housing schemes are completed regularly by Inspire Assistant Directors and Beacon Service Managers who are not in direct line management to the scheme. This is to ensure objectivity and transparency.

Training and ongoing support is provided to all who participate

4. Philosophy of Care

The Supported Housing Scheme will:

a) Work towards reducing the stigma felt by those with Learning Disability

b) Promote user participation

c) Ensure our services are as integrated and as invisible as possible.

Adoption of these concepts will ensure good quality and good practice in our work. In practical terms we promote dignity, personal choice, integration and participation. The concept of self-help will be promoted at all levels within the Support Housing Scheme.

5. Aims and Objectives

a) Examples are provided below:

Supported Housing Schemes are designed to offer another option in the spectrum of community care, catering for people who have a history of enduring mental illness. The overall aims of the Supported Housing Schemes are:

To provide long-term/supported accommodation while offering the opportunity of optimum levels of integration and independence.

To provide short-term accommodation which enables Service Users to attain their full potential (and strive for independent living)

To contribute to the reduction of hospital admissions and the length of admissions in psychiatric hospital

To provide a home for as long as it is required

b) The aims will be achieved through the following objectives:

To provide support as appropriate to the level of need of each Service User.

To target and maximise the abilities and skills of the Service Users while recognising the need to give help and support.

To encourage the Service Users to take responsibility in household tasks and develop routines in day-to-day life. Also to encourage Service Users to initiate new activities in daily living, provide a degree of variety and a range of choice.

To give Service Users the opportunity to live in mixed facilities that reflect each person’s individual choice and needs

To ensure that Service Users have every opportunity to exercise choice in all aspects of daily living. Levels of choice and responsibility must be realistic, therapeutic and within the range of individual abilities.

To ensure that the facilities reflect each person’s individual choice and needs and those Service Users are encouraged to have their own personal possessions within the limits of the scheme.

To ensure that tenancy is available to all people from all ethnic backgrounds and religious persuasions.

To encourage Service Users to develop appropriate links within the community and to utilise relevant community facilities.

The overall goal is to seek gradual and moderate improvement in levels of functioning. Such improvement, however, will still necessitate varieties of support to maintain the Service Users in the scheme.

6. Therapeutic Process

In accordance with the overall principles of the scheme, the staff should encourage an environment which provides support, friendliness, care, appropriate independence etc within a homely environment. The goal is to enhance the quality of the Service User’s life and to:

i) maintain or improve self-careii) maintain or improve daily living skillsiii) maintain or improve social integration

iv) maintain a structure to their dayv) maintain or improve community integrationvi) encourage Service Users to take on the optimum level of

responsibility in as many life domains as possiblevii) encourage participation by the Service Users of the

planning and implementation of their individual support plan.

7. Responsibilities

Refer to the relevant responsibilities that are included in the service agreement/contract. These would normally include:

Niamh Responsibilities The relevant Trust Responsibilities The relevant Housing Association Tenancy Agreement

8. Referral Groups

Referrals

Referrals are accepted from individuals from the following groups for adults over the age of eighteen.

Learning disabilities Physical disabilities Complex needs

Referrals generally arise from local Health and Social Care Trusts but self-referrals are accepted.

Before a care service commences an admissions panel is held to discuss the specific care needs of interested individuals. This meeting generally involves the relevant Area manager as well as a Trust representative and as appropriate Housing professionals if the individual is interested in a supported housing service. This meeting seeks to obtain appropriate information on the specific needs and determine if Inspire Well Being can effectively meet the needs of the individual.

Individuals usually wish to reside within our directly managed supported housing service; however applicants can request only domiciliary care without housing accommodation or support.

Details of next of kin, other supporting services, background and any relevant medical details, cultural or religious needs,

abilities of the Service User and details of the tasks to be carried out are assessed in collaboration with the referring Trust and named carer as appropriate.

On introduction to the service further information about Inspire Well Being services are provided in the form of a Service User Guide.

Details above are documented into a Person Centred Care and Support Plan. These files are available in the service user’s home for reference by Care Workers along with a medication chart if required. An Inspire Well Being Record Sheet will also be left with the Service User in their Support and Care File to record information about care delivery and a summary of tasks carried out by staff. This also provides information for other Care Workers, carers and professionals etc. Appropriate risk assessments are conducted and kept updated.

Staffing Structure – The Heathers

Staffing Structure – The Heathers

Susan McBride – Registered ManagerRegister

Mairead Lavery – Admin

Oonagh Mulholland Dep Manager

Vacant Post

Vacant post

Roisin McLeod – Team Leader

Joyce Cummings – Team Leader

Megan Whitehead –Team Leader

Paul Kelly – Team Leader

John Quigg Team Leader

Nadine Bond -Relief Team Leader

Support Workers

Support Workers

Support Workers

Support Workers

Support Workers

Support Workers

11.Volunteers

Traditionally the use of volunteers is essential to the work of Niamh. Inspire is currently in the process of recruiting volunteers to work with Service Users in a way which enhances the work of staff in the scheme.

12.Operational Meetings

A Partnership Group may be convened by the Service Manager where it is considered appropriate. In an advisory capacity the PG will assist with the planning, monitoring and evaluation of the Supported Housing Scheme.

These meetings are held regularly. Attendees at these meetings include Managers from both the Heathers and the Southern Health and Social Services Board.

Some examples of agenda items:

Discussion on Referral and Review issues Voids and waiting list Community Mental Health Team input Analysis of Complaints or Untoward Incidents Evaluating the Supported Housing Scheme and making recommendations

13.Number of Inspire Service Users to be Accommodated The Heathers provides accommodation for a total of 23 Service Users as follows:-

Primrose – 4 Willows – 4 Blossom – 4 Newry Road – 4 Mullinure Park – 4 Drummin Heights – 3

14.Categories of Care Adults with Learning Disability

15.Admission Criteria

“During the referral process all prospective individuals are encouraged to be involved in all aspects and stages of the referral.”

REFERRAL AND ALLOCATION PROCEDURE (Housing Services)

When a vacancy occurs, and a waiting list of Applicants is not held by the Housing Officer, Referral Agents, for example Care Managers or the Care Management Team will be informed.

It is recommended that prospective applicants visit the accommodation along with the Referral Agent or family/carer before an application is made. Visits will be by arrangement with the Area Manager. Appropriate information will be shared and a prospective applicants visit form will be completed.

Criteria for Referral and Cost of Accommodation are outlined in the Application Pack distributed to referral agents and visitors. Referral Agents and prospective applicants must check both issues as early as possible.

The Referral Agent and prospective applicant together, complete the Referral Form and a General Housing Application Form. The Referral agent is required to supply the Scheme with a Comprehensive Risk Assessment/Risk screening tool.

These documents are returned to the Area Manager and Housing Officer and the General Housing Application Form is marked ‘Complex Needs’ and forwarded to the appropriate area Housing Support Officer for the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. A referral panel will be convened and the outcome conveyed to both the applicant and the referral agent. If there are no current vacancies the individuals name then goes on to the waiting list of applicants held by the Housing Officer, and that held by the Housing Executive.

When a vacancy occurs and a waiting list of applicants is held by the Housing Officer, Referral Agents and NIHE will be contacted to confirm that Applicants continue to require accommodation.

An Admissions Panel will be established and may consist of, where appropriate, Assistant Director, Area Manager, Housing Support Officer, Housing Officer, representative of the Care Management Team.

Applicants and Referrers will be invited to meet members of the panel to discuss their application and identify whether the scheme will meet the applicant’s needs. The Referral Agent will be contacted as to the most

suitable way to structure this part of the procedure.

The Admissions Panel will complete an Admissions Panel Report, ensure that the applicant’s needs are compared objectively with the eligibility criteria and agree collectively on the most suitable applicant for the existing vacancy. Financial requirements and Smoke Free Policy must be fully discussed and procedures agreed. Other suitable applicants may be placed on a waiting list.

The Admissions Panel Report will include appropriate detail on the decisions taken and recommendations regarding alternative services for unsuitable applicants. The panel will agree the best way to share outcomes providing written explanations and details of the appeals procedure as appropriate.

Appropriate documentation for Benefits, Housing Executive and Housing Association should be completed as soon as possible, and the Service User’s Personal File set up as required. On the allocation of permanent accommodation the Area Manager will ensure that the Service User understands and signs their Tenancy Agreement.

All applicants have the right to appeal decisions taken by the Admissions Panel. An applicant wishing to appeal a decision will in the first instance make this known to the Chair Person of the Admissions Panel. They will be provided with details of the Appeals Process including who will be involved, when and where it will take place and their right to be accompanied by a friend, relative, other professional or independent advocate.

RISK/VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT PROCEDURE

It is the policy of the Northern Ireland Association for Mental Health to ensure that all staff know which Inspire Service Users present as being a significant risk of to self or others, and which Service Users are vulnerable to abuse or exploitation. This is in order to protect the Health, Safety and welfare of Service Users/Staff/Volunteers and others.

The Referral Agent/prospective Service User completing the form is asked to note situations or circumstances that contribute to, or trigger safety/risk/vulnerability issues, to outline Service User’s strengths and how they cope with safety/ risk/vulnerability issues and to note the dangers that exist for the Service Useer and others if the safety/risk/vulnerability issue is not dealt with appropriately. The purpose of this is not to apportion blame but to ensure that safety/risk/vulnerability issues are acknowledged during the referral process and become an integral part of the planning and review process.

This being so, the completed Safety/Risk /Vulnerability Assessment is part of the information available to the Admission Panel. Depending on circumstances Referral Agents and/or applicants may be contacted for further clarification.

16. Arrangements for Completing Reviews

Service Users of Inspire housing schemes now have the opportunity and choice to participate in the completion of their files, all are actively encouraged to be involved in their support plans and support plan reviews.

The following points need consideration.

The review should be implemented as informally as possible. The Service User’s daily notes and support plan form an integral part

of the review. Review of any safety/risk /vulnerability issues should be part of the

review. Next review date should be agreed at the meeting.

17. Arrangements for Service Users to Engage in Social Activities, Hobbies and Leisure.

Service Users are encouraged to maintain a healthy relationship with their family and friends. Their key worker will work with them to identify opportunities for activities to meet their individual needs.

These will form part of the Service User’s support plan and progress will be monitored through the review process.

Service Users are encouraged with input and support from their family/carers and Care Manager to undertake such activities as an annual holiday.

Service Users are encouraged to have their voices heard through attendance at regular TAG (Tenants Advisory Group) meetings. Information and outcomes from these meetings is fed back to those not in attendance through Tenants meeting at the Scheme.

Examples of activities include:

Day care attendanceShoppingVolunteering schemesTAG meetingsCollege coursesUse of local leisure Centre facilities

18. Arrangements in Place for Consultation with Inspire Service Users about the Operation of the Housing Scheme

Examples:

Regular Service Users meeting take place normally on a monthly basis which provide the forum of consultation, sharing of ideas, suggestions and comments

Service Users are encouraged to participate in TAG meetings. This provides a forum for discussion, information sharing and Service Users being consulted over strategic and procedural issues.

Monthly Monitoring visits are carried out at supported housing schemes by the Assistant Director and include the Inspire Service User’s perspective.

All information can be provided in easy read, large print, CD, or other required.

19. Storage and Administration of Medication

All Service Users are registered with a General Practitioner. He/she will prescribe the Service Users medication.

The administration of medication is the responsibility of appropriately trained staff.Medication is stored in locked, purpose made medicine cupboards or trolleys. The keys are kept in a separate locked cabinet or in the custody of the person in charge.

Service Users who are self-medicating will be provided with lockable cabinets or drawer for the safe storage of their medication.

Further information on the safe handling, administration, storage and disposal of medication is available in the Policy and Procedure manual.

20. Fire Precautions and associated emergency procedures

Niamh, so far as is reasonably practicable, will manage in compliance with The Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006, The Fire Safety Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010, The Management of Health and Safety at Work regulations (Amendment) (NI) 2000 and other appropriate regulations.

Workplace Risk assessment: - Niamh will carry out Risk Assessments in all locations in accordance with The Fire Safety Regulations (NI) 2010.

These regulations are statutory requirements under a self-regulatory role, monitored by Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and should be reviewed annually.

21. Arrangement for Meeting Inspire Service User’s Spiritual Needs

Information should be on display in a communal area within the scheme of all the local religious establishments and services.

If Inspire Service Users require to be accompanied to their service of choice this should be facilitated and form part of the Service User’s support plan.

22. Arrangements in place for Social Contact with Relatives/Friends /Representatives / Local Community where practicable

Relatives and friends are very welcome to visit at any reasonable time.

23. Arrangements for Dealing with Complaints.

As detailed in our policy and procedure manual QG 3 – Complaints Procedure.

This procedure is intended to cover all persons involved in the work of Niamh (it pertains to any Inspire Service Users, Volunteers, Staff, Strategic Partner or general public). The complaints procedure is in accordance with the The Health and Social Care Complaints Procedure Directions (Northern Ireland) 2009

(Please refer to the complete policy document)

Inspire Wellbeing ensures service users are aware of how to complain. We welcome complaints as an opportunity to improve the care service we provide. A copy of our Complaints procedure is provided on request and on introduction to services, along with an Easy read complaints leaflet as appropriate. All complaints are handled seriously.

Where service users, carers or advocates wish to make a complaint to staff within Inspire Wellbeing they should inform the Team Leader at the service in question who will record their complaint on a registered complaint form.

Complaints may also be made directly to the Area Manager, Registered Manager or Assistant Director at the addresses below.

Northern Ireland Association for Mental Health

80 University Street, Belfast BT7 1HETel:02890328474

Complaints may also be made directly to commissioners or regulators. An Advocate may also be contacted to participate in any complaint process with or on behalf of a service user of carer. If a complaint is not satisfactorily resolved by any of the above managers, service user’s advocates or carers can proceed to Stage Two of our process and complain to;

Professor Peter McBride (Responsible Person)Chief Executive Officer Northern Ireland Association for Mental Health80 University Street, Belfast BT7 1HETel:02890328474

Where individuals continue to be dissatisfied by our complaints process or outcome they may also complain directly to any of the following;

Disability ActionPortside Business Park

BelfastBT9 9ED028 90 297880

Commissioning TrustAssistant Director Learning Disability Services Southern Health and Social Care Trust Bannvale10 Moyallen RoadGilford  BT63 5JX Tel 02838831983

RegulationThe Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority9th Floor Riverside Tower5 Lanyon PlaceBELFASTBT1 3BTTel 028 9051 7500

Or

The Regulation and Quality Improvement AuthorityHilltopTyrone and Fermanagh HospitalOmaghCo TyroneBT79 0NS

Tel 028 8224 5828

NI Ombudsman NI Ombudsman or NI Ombudsman OfficeFreepost BEL 1478 Progressive HouseBelfast 33 Wellington PlaceBT1 6BR BelfastTel 0800 343424

All Service Users and their families/carers have access to the independent Advocacy Services.

MAKING A COMPLAINT

If things go wrong or you aren’t satisfied with our services, we want you to tell us so that we can try to put things right.

If you want to make a complaint, there are a number of ways to do this.

STAGE 1 – You can speak directly to staff, who will try to resolve things for you straight away.

STAGE 2 – If you are still not satisfied, or you didn’t want to speak directly to staff, you can make a formal complaint to our Services Department. This can be done by letter, by using a complaints form or by telephone to any of the Managers at Central Office or to any staff member. If you need help in making a complaint or comment, our staff are trained in dealing with this and will be available and happy to help you.

Central Office: 80 University Street, Belfast, BT7 1HETel: 028 90328474 Fax: 028 90234940 Email: patricia@Niamhwellbeing.org

We want our response to be quick, fair, courteous and helpful. Your complaint will be acknowledged in 2 working days of

receipt A response will be issued within 20 working days. If the nature of the complaint requires detailed investigation it

may not be possible to respond within 20 working days, in which case you will be informed when you can expect to receive a response.

STAGE 3 – If things are still not resolved to your satisfaction, you may wish to take the matter further. You can do this by contacting your local Health and Social Services Council, your local health Trust, or the NI Ombudsman.

You have the right to complain.

We learn from your complaints and we use them to help us to improve services.

24. Maintaining the Privacy and Dignity of Service Users.

The core values of Inspire include dignity, choice, integration and respect. Dignity and respect are maintained and upheld by ensuring the Service User is involved in every aspect of his/her care and support.

Ensuring Service User’s preferences in relation to name, menus, activities, personalising their room are some examples.

Providing a homely environment where the Service User can have friends and family to visit. Flexible meal times and being able to go to bed when they want to.

All Service Users have a key worker/co key-worker who will spend specified time with them looking at their individual support issues and also having some social time together.

25. Leaving Procedure

The procedure for a Service Users leaving supported housing can be:

i) Service User's own choice - if a Service User decides they no longer wish to live in the scheme they must give four weeks notice, in writing, to the Area Manager. Should the Service User be seeking alternative accommodation, a member of the Care Management Team, involved in the Service Users care will be responsible for co-ordinating their resettlement.

ii) A Service User may be asked to leave, if he/she is not complying with the conditions of their tenancy. This would take place following a thorough investigation by the Area Manager and Assistant Director and with the agreement of the Director of Inspire.

iii) A Letter of termination, giving four weeks notice will be sent to the Service User by the Housing Officer. This will be done with the agreement of the Director of Inspire - Eviction if necessary will be a last resort.

iv) The Service User's Key Worker/Care Manager will be involved and kept informed at all stages as well as the relevant Housing Association / Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) if applicable.

26. Transfer procedure

In the event of a decision being made for a transfer to another Supported Housing Scheme, within our organisation, or to a service outside the organisation, the following should happen.

(i) If a Service User is being transferred to another Inspire scheme as much information as possible should be sent to the scheme prior to transfer. The Service User’s file, monies, medication etc should go with the Service User, with a member of staff accompanying.

(ii) Staff will seek the Service User's consent to pass on relevant information if requested by the transfer organisation i.e. where appropriate and with the approval of the Assistant Director. Staff will liaise with the referral agent/key worker/GP/carer or other support services as required.

(iii) Staff will provide support to the Service User during the transfer process.

27. Record Keeping

Record-keeping will ensure that requirements of Niamh standards are met. There will be a separate book or files on the following:

a) Finance

E.g. Petty cash bookFile for monthly statementsLodgement bookIndividual records for Service User’s monies

b) Inspire Service User’s files

INSPIRE SERVICE USER’S PERSONAL FILE

1. Each Service User will have a Personal Record File.

2. The file will be kept confidentially in a locked cabinet to which there is restricted access.

3. Each file will be identified with the Service User’s name clearly displayed on the outer cover both on the front and side.

4. Files when closed should be retained for a period of eight years after which they will be shredded. Closed files to have appropriate closure forms, stored securely and dated for disposal.

5. Access restricted to: Area Manager/Deputy, Person authorised by Area Manager, Inspire Service User (see Access to Files Policy), Referral Agent/Key Worker, Landlord/Housing Officers, NIAMH/HSSB Senior Officers, and External Audit – with letter of consent/authorisation from Service User.

6. Each Inspire Service User’s file will be marked ‘Private & Confidential’.

7. All information kept in the file should be clearly marked with the Service User’s full name.

8. Any written documentation must be completed in black ink, the only acceptation being for a person with a diagnosis of dyslexia. In this case blue or green ink may be advised. All extra entries must be signed (not initialed) and dated. Correction fluid must not be used on any document.

9. All documentation must be securely fastened into the file in the correct section in line with Niamh specification.

28. Date approved and implemented

This Statement of Purpose was updated and implemented by the Heathers from 1st

April, 2015.

29. Review Date

This Statements of Purpose will be reviewed every two years. The date of the next review will be March, 2017. The updated version will be circulated to all relevant parties.