The Old Red Lion Achieves Outstanding CQC Rating

“Outstanding across all five key areas demonstrates the exceptional commitment, compassion and person-centred support delivered every day at The Old Red Lion.”

At Consensus, we believe great support is about helping people live meaningful, independent and fulfilling lives. At The Old Red Lion, that commitment shines through in everything the team does, which is why the service has been recognised as Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Congratulations The Old Red Lion!

Following their assessment in January 2026, the CQC recognised The Old Red Lion for delivering exceptional, person-centred support, with outstanding outcomes achieved across every area inspected.

“I am incredibly proud and deeply privileged to work alongside such an inspiring team of people whose dedication, compassion and commitment have been instrumental in achieving an outstanding rating with CQC across all five domains. 

Together we have created a culture rooted in psychological safety, where both the people we support and the exceptional staff who support them feel valued, empowered and able to thrive. It has been truly rewarding to foster an environment where everyone is encouraged to aspire, grow and enjoy an exceptional quality of life”

Kimberley Little, Service Manager

While the inspection report provides detailed insight into the service, the highlights below summarise the findings across each of the areas assessed by the CQC.

Safe

The Old Red Lion is an exceptionally safe service where people are supported to live independently while feeling secure, respected and empowered.

• “People were supported in a way that balanced positive risk-taking with maintaining safety and wellbeing.”
• “Staff demonstrated strong knowledge of people’s individual needs, risks and support requirements.”
• “Teamwork and communication between staff helped ensure people received consistent, safe and personalised support.”

Effective

The Old Red Lion provides highly effective support that enables people to achieve positive outcomes and enjoy a high quality of life.

• “Care and support were tailored to each person’s needs, preferences and aspirations.”
• “Staff worked collaboratively to ensure people received holistic and consistent support.”
• “People were encouraged to build independence, confidence and life skills.”

Caring

The Old Red Lion is an exceptionally caring service where people are treated with dignity, kindness and compassion.

• “Staff built positive and trusting relationships with the people they support.”
• “People were respected as individuals and encouraged to make choices about their daily lives.”
• “Support was delivered in a compassionate and person-centred way that promoted independence and wellbeing.”

Responsive

The Old Red Lion delivers highly responsive support that is tailored around each individual and their goals.

• “Staff showed flexibility and creativity in helping people access meaningful opportunities and experiences.”
• “People were encouraged to maintain strong connections with their local community, family and interests.”
• “Support plans reflected people’s changing needs, aspirations and personal preferences.”

Well-Led

The Old Red Lion is led by a strong and values-driven leadership team committed to delivering exceptional support.

• “Leaders promoted a positive and inclusive culture focused on high-quality, person-centred care.”
• “Staff shared a clear vision of empowering people to live fulfilling and independent lives.”
• “The service demonstrated a strong commitment to continuous improvement and maintaining excellent standard”

This Outstanding rating reflects what makes The Old Red Lion so special, a passionate team, strong leadership and a shared commitment to helping people flourish.

A huge congratulations to everyone at The Old Red Lion on this fantastic achievement and for the positive difference you make every day.