Supported living reference checks — person-centred, intensive support, CQC compliant
Supported living keyworkers provide intensive, often 1:1 support to people with complex needs in community settings. CQC Regulation 19 requires written references with specific questions about conduct in person-centred support roles. RefAssure automates the process from 99p, no subscription.
Supported living reference checks — the specific risks of person-centred community support
Why supported living reference checking requires a different approach
Supported living presents a risk profile that differs from both residential care and domiciliary care. Keyworkers often have intensive, ongoing relationships with the people they support — sometimes 1:1, in small services with limited management oversight. The power dynamic in these relationships makes robust pre-employment checking particularly important.
A generic reference asking about general performance does not capture the specific competencies and risks relevant to supported living. References should ask about person-centred support approach, conduct in intensive support relationships, ability to manage complex situations calmly, and any concerns about professional boundaries.
CQC inspection of supported living services
CQC inspects supported living services under the same Regulation 19 safe recruitment framework as other care settings. Inspectors review recruitment files for all staff providing personal care and support. The same written reference requirements, three-year history coverage and safeguarding question requirements apply.
Supported Living Reference Checks — questions answered
CQC Regulation 19 requires at least two written references covering three years of employment history, obtained directly before the worker starts. For supported living roles, references should address person-centred practice, conduct in intensive 1:1 support relationships, behaviour support awareness, and suitability to work with vulnerable adults.
For roles where the supported person has complex needs or behaviour support requirements, references should ask specifically about the candidate's approach. RefAssure allows providers to add role-specific questions to their supported living templates.
Supported living keyworkers typically have more intensive 1:1 relationships in community settings with less direct management oversight. References need to address person-centred practice, professional boundaries and conduct in community settings — distinct from residential care reference questions.
Most references return within 1 to 3 days with RefAssure — CQC requires references to be complete before the worker starts, which RefAssure makes achievable even for urgent supported living appointments.
More care role reference checking guides
CQC-compliant references for Supported Living Reference Checks.
From 99p.
Written consent, safeguarding questions, full Regulation 19 audit trail — the same compliant evidence on every appointment. Role-specific templates, automated chasing.
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