Following the original pilot assessments with 5 authorities, CQC have assessed 3 further authorities under the new framework, recently publishing reports for Hertfordshire, London Borough of Hounslow and West Berkshire.
In July, they announced a further 40 authorities have been contacted, demonstrating that after a slow start, things are now picking up pace. So what have we learnt so far from these 3 assurance visits?
When looking at the range of feedback across the reports, the term ‘no stone left unturned’ springs to mind, with reports covering a range of areas, such as leadership, organisational culture and strategic commissioning, through to equipment waiting times, carers services and the take up of direct payments.
Whilst the findings for each area varied across the themes of the assurance process framework, we have summarised key themes and findings from the first published reports below.
At the front door – The importance of multiple routes to good information, advice and guidance, including a responsive telephone support service, a comprehensive, accessible and well structured online offer, and a clear plan on how to reach seldom heard groups, in particular those without access to the internet.
- Supporting Carers – Was an area that each of the three authorities had room for improvement. Issues ranged from identification and offering support in a timely manner, over-complicated assessments and concerns that carers were not being listened too. Our recommendation would be to ensure equal priority is given to getting things right for carers as well as the people they care for.
- Open Culture of Learning – It was great to read how authorities, including those with well established leadership and those going through organisation change, were taking staff with them and engaging in an open culture as part of their respective journeys of improvement.
- Focus on the future – In these challenging financial times, the importance of still lifting our head above the parapet, with an eye to understanding the needs of the future population and developing strategies to shape the market to meet that need.
- Partnership and co-production – No council is an island; strategic partnerships are important to ensure public partners are collectively sharing the risks and investing in the community. Equally important is the coproduction work with the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector to bring real change for people and their families.
- Know your areas of weakness and have a plan – No council can be 100% on top of everything all of the time, but having a thorough understanding of any areas falling short is crucial, along with a robust plan for improvement.
Whilst this will be a busy and nervous-making time for all local authorities, it remains important that we collectively see this as an opportunity. Year 1 of the assessment process is all about benchmarking and understanding the state of the nation in relation to the quality and impact of adult social care services. Standing together and united presents us with a key opportunity to showcase strengths within the sector, and to also lobby for the much needed support to tackle long-standing and systemic challenges faced by all local authorities across England.
For more information about our approach to supporting local authorities to prepare for their assurance visits and how Peopletoo can support you and your organisation on this journey, please contact us on rosie.thomas-easton@peopletoo.co.uk.