Vulnerable clients of an Abbots Langley care company were being left at risk of abuse, a watchdog inspection found.

Mrs Rudo Gray (Helping Hands Watford Ltd) based in Summerhouse Way, failed all six categories being assessed by the Care Quality Commission after a routine inspection in late January and early February.

The report, published in March, said almost half its 31 employees did not have training to identify and prevent abuse.

It also said the care company had failed to report an allegation of abuse to the Care Quality Commission, despite this being a requirement for registered services under the Health and Social Care Act 2008.

The service, which provides personal care and support for people at home, did not provide a log to inspectors because it claimed there had been no incidents or concerns of abuse since the last CQC visit.

The report by the health watchdog highlighted the care provider did not have procedures to “respond to missed or late visits” to vulnerable people.

Enforcement action was taken against the care company because it was not providing “safe and appropriate care” that meets the client’s needs.

Analysis by the CQC showed 13 care plans and risk assessments did not contain significant information about a person’s needs.

This included three people who had complex medical conditions and needed end of life care, but “the care plans did not reflect this or give appropriate guidance” to staff.

A second enforcement action was taken against the service because it was not meeting its staffing requirements.

The report highlighted that the care provider, which said it carried out Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks before hiring staff, was not able to provide evidence it had considered concerns raised by DBS checks about four applicants.

Mrs Gray, who had until last month to to set out how the provider will meet the standards determined by the Care Quality Commission, declined to comment when approached by the Watford Observer. Andrew Dawson, from Hertfordshire County Council said: “Hertfordshire County Council does not have a contract with the provider or directly fund any service users to receive care from them.

“However, we are working with the provider and our partners in health and the Care Quality Commission to address the issues raised in the inspection report. The wellbeing of those receiving care is our primary concern and together we are taking steps, such as an increased level of supervision from the district nursing service, to ensure they receive the support they need.”