Care Quality Commission Local Authority assessments
Our adult social care services have been rated as ‘GOOD’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Cheshire East Council: local authority assessment - Care Quality Commission
The positive assessment highlights our commitment to providing high quality care and support to adults across the borough.
The CQC inspection found that people had access to local care and support services that were safe, effective, affordable, and high-quality to meet their needs, as well as recognising the dedication and hard work of staff in delivering person-centred care.
Inspectors in the report noted the positive relationships between staff and service users, the robust safeguarding procedures in place and the council’s proactive approach to continuous improvement.
Other key points from the report included:
- There was high satisfaction of care and support with residents expressing overall happiness with the care and support received, highlighting effective communication and emotional support from social workers.
- Respect for human rights as care and support services ensured that residents' human rights were respected and protected, with involvement in decision-making and consideration of protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.
- Residents appreciated the assessment and provision of equipment that supported their independence, enabling them to stay in their own homes for as long as possible.
- Senior leaders and staff demonstrated a commitment to strength-based approaches, focusing on reducing, preventing, and delaying the need for formal services, and promoting positive outcomes through collaborative efforts.
The assessment can be found on CQC website.
Why have CQC introduced Local Authority Assurance visits
The CQC has been given powers under the Health and Care Act 2022 to assess how local authorities deliver against key aspects of their duties under Part 1 of the Care Act 2014.
The purpose of the assessment was to understand the performance of Cheshire East, and to assure the CQC and the Department of Health and Social Care about the quality of the adult’s social care we deliver and to consider whether any improvements are required.
How the CQC Local Authority assurance process works
CQC wants to provide independent assurance to the public on the quality of care in the area. They want to understand how the care provided in Cheshire East is improving outcomes for people and reducing inequalities in their access to care. They will listen to peoples' experiences and outcomes from care. Although the assurance is focused on Local Authority adult social care, we know the outcomes we achieve for people are dependent on how well we work together with partners, so the assessors also evaluate how well agencies work together to support people as one joined up system.
This assessment focuses on the following 4 themes, with 9 quality statements sitting under them:
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Working with people
Assessing needs
We maximise the effectiveness of people’s care and treatment by assessing and reviewing their health, care, wellbeing and communication needs with them.
Supporting people to lead healthier lives
We support people to manage their health and wellbeing so they can maximise their independence, choice and control, live healthier lives and where possible, reduce future needs for care and support.
Equity in experience and outcomes
We actively seek out and listen to information about people who are most likely to experience inequality in experience or outcomes. We tailor the care, support and treatment in response.
Providing support
Care provision, integration and continuity
We understand the diverse health and care needs of people and our local communities, so care is joined-up, flexible and supports choice and continuity.
Partnerships and communities
We understand our duty to collaborate and work in partnership, so our services work seamlessly for people. We share information and learning with partners and collaborate for improvement.
Ensuring safety
Safe systems, pathways and transitions
We work with people and our partners to establish and maintain safe systems of care, in which safety is managed, monitored and assured. We ensure continuity of care, including when people move between different services.
Safeguarding
We work with people to understand what being safe means to them and work with our partners to develop the best way to achieve this. We concentrate on improving people’s lives while protecting their right to live in safety, free from bullying, harassment, abuse, discrimination, avoidable harm and neglect. We make sure we share concerns quickly and appropriately.
Leadership
Governance, management and sustainability
We have clear responsibilities, roles, systems of accountability and good governance to manage and deliver good quality, sustainable care, treatment and support. We act on the best information about risk, performance and outcomes, and we share this securely with others when appropriate.
Learning, improvement and innovation
We focus on continuous learning, innovation and improvement across our organisation and the local system. We encourage creative ways of delivering equality of experience, outcomes and quality of life for people. We actively contribute to safe, effective practice and research.
What evidence do CQC look at?
CQC review information we submit to them along with various national data returns. They also consider:
1. People’s experience – CQC speak to people who use social care services, their families, carers and advocates, they look at survey results, feedback and review records for a selected number of individuals to review their journey through Adult Social Care.
2. Feedback from staff and leaders – achieved through conversations with them, compliments and complaints information, surveys, and documentary evidence.
3. Feedback from partners – including partners involved in social care, health and wellbeing support and groups such as partnership boards and housing.
4. Processes CQC assess the effectiveness of processes to deliver positive outcomes for individuals who access and receive care and support.
5. Outcomes – CQC evaluate the impact we have on individuals and communities.
What happens next
We will continue to work closely with people who draw on care and support, their families and carers, partners, and commissioned providers to identify areas for further development and to ensure the delivery of personalised, quality, timely care for all adults in Cheshire East.
Local Authority Assessment Reports
Reports are published on the CQC website for each Local Authority and outline strengths and areas for development. Scores for themes are combined to give an overall rating of outstanding, good, requires improvement, or inadequate.
You can find more information about the assessment framework on the CQC website.
Page last reviewed: 16 May 2025
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