Agenda item

To receive an update on the progress of the Adult Social Care Continuous Improvement Plan in response to the Care Quality Commission (CQC) requirements.

The Head of Service: Assurance, Transformation and Financial Management presented an update on progress made against the Care Quality Commission (CQC) continuous improvement action plan.

Members were reminded that the Council had been rated ‘Good’ following its inspection in November 2024, with the CQC recognising strengths in assessment practice, co?production, partnership working and leadership.

Officers outlined the progress made against the action plan since its publication in February 2025 across a range of areas including the refreshed All?Age Carers Strategy which had been co-produced with carers and people with lived experience and included the commissioning of a Carers Card UK, the co-production of the Joint Market Position Statement, increased use of translation services, updated safeguarding and Mental Capacity Act training, reduced waiting times for Care Act assessments, improvements in the occupational therapy service, and strong operational performance in the jointly commissioned equipment service, which continued to deliver 99% of urgent requests within 24 hours.

As a result of the national CQC assessment programme, of the 88 reports published to date, 3 local authorities had been rated ‘Outstanding’, 58 had received a rating of ‘Good’, 25 had received a rating of ‘Requires Improvement’ and 2 had received a rating of ‘Inadequate’. Emerging national themes included the need for improved support for unpaid carers, challenges in reducing waiting lists while maintaining quality, inconsistencies in safeguarding practice, and the need for a greater focus on prevention and outcome?based commissioning. At the time of the meeting, the CQC was in the process of developing a revised assessment framework for implementation after April 2026.

In addition, the report highlighted the ongoing challenge of expanding supported employment opportunities for people with learning disabilities within the borough. The Executive Director: Adult Social Care, Housing and Customer Services reported that this area of the improvement plan had not progressed as quickly as intended and that further work was underway to identify best practice and strengthen local pathways.

Members were informed that the Adults with Learning Disabilities Commissioner was exploring a range of national approaches to improving access to paid work, recognising the importance of employment in promoting independence, widening housing options and improving life chances. Officers emphasised that this was a borough?wide challenge requiring support from partners across the system. Officers confirmed that supported employment would continue to be monitored within the CQC framework and invited the Committee to participate in a workshop to examine best practice in greater depth.

In response to questions raised regarding demographic pressures and long?term demand, Officers confirmed that the borough faced a significant projected rise in the population aged 90 and over in the coming years, which would increase demand for long?term care. Further investment proposals would be developed through the Council’s budget process.

Following a discussion on home care capacity and market stability, Officers explained that there was currently an oversupply of home care, which allowed the Council to select providers that best matched individual needs and secured best value. Work was taking place to explore a geographical zone model to support efficient delivery.

In response to questions regarding workforce turnover and recruitment challenges, Members noted that turnover within the Council’s in?house adult social care workforce was relatively low compared to the private sector, though recruitment pressures remained a national issue. The Council continued to work with care providers to support workforce sustainability, including through international recruitment schemes.

Following a discussion around the increase in Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) requests, Officers advised that the increase reflected improved provider awareness and a strengthened assessment process. A restructured DoLS team and improved workflows had resulted in significantly reduced waiting times.

Following concerns raised by Members in relation to supported employment for people with learning disabilities, Officers reported that the Government’s Connect to Work programme launched in September 2025 as part of the wider Job Box offer, was designed to provide tailored employment support, though its impact had not yet been fully realised. Work would continue with partners to identify best practice and enhance local opportunities.

In response to questions regarding Integrated Care Board restructuring, Officers stated that the future operating model remained under development but emphasised strong existing relationships with system partners. Officers reiterated the importance of prevention and neighbourhood health and highlighted the need for continued advocacy to ensure Telford and Wrekin’s voice was heard.

Members thanked Officers for their attendance and noted the positive outcome of the CQC inspection, and the progress made by Adult Social Care in delivering the improvement actions.

RESOLVED – that the Committee undertake a review into supported employment opportunities for people with learning disabilities in the Borough.