North Lincolnshire Council’s adult social care has been rated as ‘good’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The council is one of five to participate in a pilot of the future way the CQC will assess local authorities’ adult social care offering. In eight out of nine categories, the standards were rated as good.

People’s needs were assessed in a timely way, there was an open culture at the council, and unpaid carers were offered a range of activities to support their wellbeing. The CQC inspectors did find there needed to be more work to identify the needs of seldom heard groups, with particular reference to those with autistic or mental health conditions.

Cllr Richard Hannigan, deputy leader and cabinet member for adults and communities at North Lincolnshire Council, said: “We volunteered to take part in the pilot assessment as we recognised it would give us an external view of ourselves which in turn would drive up standards and provide a real insight into where we can improve.

“It is pleasing to get the external sense check on the standards of care and support and while challenging, the team has welcomed the process and most importantly the opportunity this has brought to learn. The pilot has highlighted best practice which we now need to replicate elsewhere. We know where we can get better and are determined to continue our focus on the needs of our residents.”

People were assessed in a timely way, focused on their abilities, needs and wishes. The CQC assessment also found that:

The council carried out strong partnership working, particularly with voluntary groups

The local authority’s adult social care strategy focused on a preventative approach, based around promoting people’s independence

As well as an open culture and clear leadership, social workers also described how responsive the council was

Cllr Hannigan added: “It was pleasing to read how strong the safeguarding aspects are within the report. CQC states that there are robust partnerships and integrated working across the safeguarding system including police, health, and fire.

“Partners described positive relationships that were respectful, strong, and open to challenge – that is excellent feedback.” Room for improvement was also identified, including there was no strategic oversight to ensure that all voices from different communities were heard. The council identified too they needed to improve co-production around substance misuse and homelessness.

“In our assessment of North Lincolnshire Council’s adult social care responsibilities, it was really impressive to see the ways in which they were not just meeting people’s immediate care needs, but looking ahead to preventative healthcare, and how to provide more innovative, inclusive care,” said James Bullion, CQC’s chief inspector of adult social care and integrated care.

He added, “they do have some more proactive work to do in making sure those with certain protected characteristics have the same access to care as older people”.

The CQC report also notes future population trends in North Lincolnshire, including a 76 per cent expected increase by 2043 in the number of people aged over 85. To view the report in full, click here: https://www.cqc.org.uk/care-services/local-authority-assessment-reports/north-lincolnshire