Person Centred Care is the main influence on philosophy and the ethos within CIC Independent Living services. This philosophy provides a frame of reference for care and service delivery to meet then needs of Service Users - regardless of their ability.

The Company has a Health & Safety Policy and Risk Assessment Strategy to ensure that we properly assess, manage and appropriately respond to behaviours, or activities, which may constitute a risk to service users, staff or others. Individual risk assessments are undertaken as part of the care planning process within a multidisciplinary approach. These assessments, which are reviewed regularly, will have necessary input from family, significant others who know the individual well, health and social services colleagues. The specific responses and actions to be adopted by staff when interacting with people who present behavioural problems will be determined by the individual risk assessment which is regularly reviewed. All services are supported by a 24 hour management on-call facility. Whilst seeking to promote the growth, maximise the independence and development of individuals, we achieve the management of risks in a real way and maintain safety without unreasonable restriction.

Each Service User will have an individualised plan of care, based on detailed needs assessment, which will be regularly evaluated according to the individuals changing needs. The Care Plan will reflect 'quality of life' enhancing issues, such as promotion of independence and the right to take risks, and respecting personal belief systems, as well as how physical/mental health issues will be addressed. In addition assessment tools are used to evaluate key 'risk' factors - such as tissue viability nutritional assessment moving and handling and falls. With specific regard to the Service User with dementia, assessments are used to monitor cognitive and social functioning.

All CIC Policies and Procedures are underpinned by evidence-based practice, and links have been established with recognised academia centres. Service User advisory and representative bodies, such as the Huntington's Disease Society and Regional Dementia Services Development Centres are also involved in contributing to the on-going development of services.
CIC recognises the value of multi-agency working - in particular with regard to advocacy groups. CIC endeavours to promote an approach of advocacy - utilising opportunities to enable service users voices to be heard and recognised.