Council's adult social care services rated 'good'

A county council's adult social care services have been rated as "good" by the health watchdog.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) said Wiltshire Council staff "went above and beyond", following an inspection that began in April 2024.

The findings came after inspectors spoke to people receiving care, unpaid carers, staff, providers and other care professionals, as well as checking the council's policies and processes.

Councillor Jane Davies, cabinet member for adult social care, said she was "proud" of the achievement by staff.

However, inspectors also found that there were gaps in engagement between some groups of people and the local authority.

This included people from smaller ethnic minority groups and those with visual impairment. Council leaders recognised these areas for development and said they were committed to improve the way they listened to these groups.

In the report published on Wednesday, the CQC said there was a focus by the council to provide the right care in the right place and they had developed a skilled workforce.

The CQC found feedback on the council's reablement service, which works with people to gain their independence and remain at home, was positive.

On average it said people received four weeks of reablement, with 69% of those fully independent leaving the service.

Inspectors also found the enablement service, which works with people with learning disabilities, autism and those who have additional needs, helped people develop, whether that was through independence, maintaining tenancies or accessing universal services.

Carers and young people also told inspectors the experience of transitioning from children to adult services was improving.

Mrs Davies said while they "still have learning to do", the council were "ready to take on any challenges".

"I know we will continue to help people live the lives they want to lead into the future," she added.

The report said the council was active on feedback and complaints and was looking to improve accessibility and reduce waiting times across its services.

There was also mixed feedback from partners about the effectiveness of the Wiltshire Care Partnership, which is a forum for local care providers and is funded by the council.

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