WARRINGTON Borough Council says it is taking “swift and decisive action “ in response to a Care Quality Commission assessment that the authority’s adult social care service “requires improvement.”
Significantly, the CQC said in its report “evidence shows significant shortfalls for the safeguarding element of the assessment”.
Safeguarding describes the work the council does to protect vulnerable adults from abuse and neglect, promote their right to make informed choices, and ensure they live safely and with dignity.
As a result of the CQC’s findings the council received a letter from Minister for Care, Stephen Kinnock outlining his expectations for improvement – and the council has prioritised addressed recommendations in this area.
Through its improvement plan, the council is working to implement a comprehensive action plan to ensure rapid and sustained progress. This includes addressing recommendations such as:
• Human oversight for safeguarding referrals: All online safeguarding concerns are now reviewed by a trained professional – a change implemented earlier this year
• Simplifying the safeguarding pathway: A full review is underway to make it easier for people to report concerns and access clear, accurate information
• Updated guidance for staff and partners: Guidance documents are being revised to ensure all practitioners understand and apply safeguarding principles, in partnership with the Warrington Safeguarding Adults Board
• Improvement Board established: A dedicated board is now in place to oversee progress, address CQC recommendations, and respond to wider pressures facing adult social care
Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, cabinet member for statutory health and adult social care said: “We are absolutely committed to continuing to make improvements at pace, following the CQC assessment. Since the CQC released its final report, our adult social care services have been addressing recommendations and are using the report as a catalyst for meaningful change.
“We want our residents to know that we are listening, we are acting, and we are determined to improve. Colleagues across the council are working tirelessly to implement changes that will make a real difference to people’s lives. We are confident that the steps we are taking will lead to better outcomes and a stronger adult social care system in Warrington.”
The council will continue to provide regular updates on its progress and remains committed to working in partnership with residents, carers, and partners to deliver the best possible care.
Last May opposition Lib Dems condemned ‘indefensible’ failures in the Council’s adult social care safeguarding services claiming Councillors were not given the full picture.
The Care Quality Commission exposed systemic failings, including the automatic closure of safeguarding alerts, failure to track referrals, and a senior leadership team unaware of these risks until national inspectors intervened. Although the Council claimed to have reviewed 1,300 cases with ‘no harm’ found, the Commission was clear that the safeguarding system itself was structurally unsafe.
Opposition condemn “indefensible” adult social care safeguarding failures
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