Briarfield, on Stainburn Road, Workington, run by West House, was downgraded to Requires Improvement, from Good in 2017, following a CQC inspection, which took place between June 23 and July 3, 2026.
The report, published on September 1, identified concerns around governance, risk management, care planning, environmental standards, health monitoring and quality assurance processes.
The home supports adults with learning disabilities and autistic people.
Responding to the report, West House chief executive James Cox said the findings were “disappointing” for residents, families, staff and the wider community.
He said: “We fully accept the findings of the Care Quality Commission’s inspection of Briarfield and recognise that the overall rating of Requires Improvement is disappointing for the people we support, their families, our staff team and the wider community.
“The report identifies a number of areas where standards fell below both our own expectations and those required by the regulator.
“We take these findings seriously and accept that improvements were needed.”
Mr Cox said the provider had already launched a “comprehensive improvement programme” to address the concerns raised by inspectors.
He said the work included strengthening governance and quality assurance systems, improving care planning and health monitoring, reviewing risk management processes, undertaking environmental improvements and increasing senior leadership oversight.
He said: “Since the inspection was completed, we have acted at pace to address the issues identified. A comprehensive improvement programme is already underway and substantial progress has been made.
“This includes strengthening governance and quality assurance systems, implementing enhanced auditing and management oversight arrangements, reviewing risk management processes, improving care planning and health monitoring systems, strengthening infection prevention and control arrangements, undertaking environmental improvement works and increasing senior leadership scrutiny of the service.”
While acknowledging the shortcomings, Mr Cox highlighted that the service’s Caring rating remained Good.
He said inspectors had recognised the “kindness, compassion and commitment” of staff, positive relationships with residents, effective safeguarding practices and partnership working with health professionals.
Mr Cox added: “We recognise that this report may cause concern for residents, families and the community. We accept the findings, apologise where standards fell short and are fully committed to making the improvements required.
“Whilst this report identifies areas where we fell short, we view it as an opportunity to strengthen the service further.
“We are determined to learn from the findings, restore confidence and ensure Briarfield consistently delivers safe, effective, responsive and high-quality support for those who live there.”