Following its first-ever inspection, a Manchester-based Jewish charity that cares for adults with learning disabilities and autism has been awarded “Outstanding”— the highest possible rating — by the Care Quality Commission.

The Focus Foundation was set up just under two years ago to provide affordable housing, supported living, employability training and social activities to its clients.

Chief executive of the Focus Foundation Ivan Lewis told the JC: “We are very proud of being recognised this way, but the rating doesn’t mean that we are now going to rest on our laurels.

"We pride ourselves on continually learning and there is a long way to go.”

According to Lewis, only 1.8 per cent of CQC-regulated organisations in England are rated as “Outstanding” and new organisations rarely receive the accolade.

The healthcare watchdog’s report noted that people “were at the heart” of the service and were “respected and valued as individuals”. It also observed that staff were “continuously looking for ways to enhance the quality of people’s lives” in the least restrictive way possible.

Lewis, who was Labour MP for Bury South for more than two decades and Minister for Social Care between 2006 and 2008, credited founder Johnny Manson’s “generosity” and the “tireless and selfless” trustees and care workers for the charity’s success.

Johnny Manson, who set up The Focus Foundation, said the report reflected “the care and extra special commitment of our wonderful staff team. As the report makes clear, their level of service is exceptional.”

Manson added that demand for their service had “exceeded all expectations”.
With a long history of working in the welfare sector, Lewis co-founded what later became The Fed — Manchester’s Jewish welfare body — in 1997.

Reflecting on the expansion of social care provision in the community, he said: “Going forward, we need to significantly broaden community support so we can continue to help people achieve not only a high quality of life, but also achieve their full potential.”

The Focus Foundation currently supports nearly 40 people and has a waiting list of more than 30. It is also beginning to get referrals from Liverpool and Leeds.