Issue - meetings

To receive an update on the outcome of the CQC LA Assurance Assessment of Adults Social Care.

The committee received the report which provided an overview of the outcome of a recent assurance visit by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) of the delivery of adult social care functions. The committee were pleased to learn that the Council had received a ‘Good’ rating score of 75% and that this was one of the highest scores for Council’s deemed ‘Good’.

It was noted that the Council had undertaken a self-assessment which was reflective of the findings of CQC. It was evident that the service knew itself well, was clear on areas for improvement and its strengths, as well as staff feeling supported by leaders and safe to practice within a culture of learning.

The committee noted the areas of improvement which had been identified and queried what arrangements were in place to learn from authorities with even higher ratings. It was reported that CQC and the Association of Directors of Adult Social Care had undertaken a significant amount of work to identify things that stood out as being different/excellent practice. It was likely that the authority would next be inspected in four-years. An improvement framework had been developed and put in place, focussing upon the key areas of improvement which would allow the service to regularly measure levels of improvement.

The committee congratulated the Executive Director – Adults, Health and Integration and all her staff on the inspection outcome and all their hard work. The committee were supportive of the ambition to achieve a future rating of ‘Outstanding’.

RESOLVED:

That the Audit and Governance Committee

1.    Note and support the rating and feedback of the Cheshire East Council CQC LA Assurance Assessment of Adults Social Care and the initial response from the directorate.