Liverpool's adult social care services have received a 'Good' rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the independent regulator for health and social care in England. The positive assessment highlights the city council's commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate support for its residents, crediting a major transformation programme for significant improvements.
Key Takeaways
- The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has officially rated Liverpool's adult social care services as 'Good'.
- The report praised the service for listening to residents, respecting their wishes, and actively involving families in care assessments.
- Staff reported feeling motivated, supported, and valued, with leadership described as visible and approachable.
- A key factor in the success is the council's ongoing transformation programme, 'Living Better Lives', which focuses on independence and person-centred care.
CQC Report Highlights Positive Experiences
The CQC's detailed report found that individuals receiving care and support in Liverpool felt their voices were heard and their preferences respected. A significant finding was the active involvement of families in the assessment process, ensuring a collaborative approach to care planning.
This positive feedback extended to the workforce. According to the CQC, staff across the adult social care sector described a supportive and motivating work environment. They felt valued by their leadership, a sentiment that contributes directly to the quality of care provided.
Staff and Leadership
The report specifically described the leadership of the Director of adult social care as "visible and approachable, with a clear understanding of social work practice and its challenges." This recognition underscores the importance of strong, empathetic leadership in public services.
The council's focus on staff wellbeing, including robust peer support networks and opportunities for professional development, was identified as a key strength. This investment in the workforce is seen as a cornerstone of the service's success.
Transformation Programme Drives Improvement
A major contributor to the 'Good' rating is the council’s ambitious adult social care transformation programme. This initiative is designed to shift the focus of care towards promoting independence, reablement, and a person-centred approach, empowering individuals to have more control over their lives.
The 'Living Better Lives' Strategy
This transformation is guided by Living Better Lives, Liverpool's overarching strategy for Adult Social Care and Health. Its primary goal is to enable residents to live full, active lives, maintain their independence for as long as possible, and stay connected with their local communities.
The programme, which is now at its halfway point, has already produced tangible results. These improvements demonstrate a clear shift in how services are delivered across the city.
Key Achievements of the Programme
The council has successfully implemented several key changes that have streamlined services and improved outcomes for residents. These include:
- A new Adult Access service: This acts as a single 'front door' for residents, offering easier access to information, advice, and safeguarding support.
- Simplified assessment process: Documentation has been made more straightforward, and caseloads for social workers have been reduced, allowing for more focused care.
- Embedding the "Home First" model: This approach prioritises supporting people to live independently in their own homes, avoiding unnecessary hospital or care home admissions.
- Strengthened safeguarding: The council has improved safeguarding pathways and strengthened governance to better protect vulnerable adults.
- Increased preventative investment: More resources are being directed towards services that help people remain healthy and independent at home, reducing the need for more intensive care later on.
Council Leadership Responds to Positive Rating
City leaders have welcomed the CQC's findings, viewing the 'Good' rating as an endorsement of their strategic direction and the hard work of their staff. However, they also acknowledge that the transformation is an ongoing process.
"This is a proud moment for Liverpool and a reflection of our commitment to putting residents at the heart of everything we do. The report highlights the compassion, professionalism, and dedication of our adult social care teams."
Councillor Coleman added that while the progress is pleasing, there is still more to accomplish. "Transformation is a journey, and we remain focused on improving services, listening to residents, and supporting our hardworking staff every step of the way," she stated.
She also highlighted that this is an opportune moment for individuals passionate about care to join the team, encouraging prospective applicants to explore vacancies on the council's website.
Anne Marie Lubanski, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Adult Social Care, also expressed her delight with the report's outcome.
"I’m delighted with the outcome of the CQC report, which reflects the impact of our transformation programme and the shift towards independence, reablement, and new ways of working. We’re not doing things to people – we’re working with them, empowering residents to take control of their care."
Lubanski extended her gratitude to all staff, calling the rating a "testament to their hard work and dedication." She confirmed the commitment to building on this momentum as the service enters the next phase of its transformation journey.