Agenda item

Presentation attached

Adrian Crook was invited to present an update on the new CQC inspection framework and the outcomes of the recent LGA peer challenge. The Committee had previously received updates on the new framework earlier in the year and had been kept informed of developments since.

The Chair opened by thanking Adrian and his team for their continued efforts and dedication, particularly noting the positive comments about staff in the presentation. Appreciation was expressed for the hard work being done across the service.

An overview of the LGA peer review process was provided. The review team, made up of professionals from across the country, recognised that staff are the service’s greatest asset. It was noted that, for the first time in a long while, the service has a full complement of leadership, practitioners, and social workers. This was acknowledged during World Social Workday, and the support provided by Adrian Crook and Sue Massel was highlighted.

The review also praised the contributions of individual staff members, including a senior social worker from Bolton and a newly appointed social worker from Tameside, both of whom were commended for their ability to manage multiple roles effectively. The integration of health and care services in Bury was described as outstanding and among the best seen nationally.

The peer review was seen as timely, particularly in light of the upcoming CQC inspection.

It was noted that Bury could have been subject to intervention but instead is now well-positioned, with strong foundations and a clear direction. Only 27 councils remain to be inspected in the next six months and Bury is considered well-prepared. The feedback received during the review was described as emotional and affirming, with leadership across health services present and engaged in the process.

Verbal feedback from the review team was described as the best received in recent years. The final report is expected within the next few weeks, and work is already underway to implement the recommendations, which are considered achievable before the CQC inspection.

Adrian Crook added that staff are proud to work in Bury, with only four vacancies currently open. He emphasised that the level of integration achieved is exemplary, and that the team has travelled extensively to learn from best practices across the country. The peer review confirmed that Bury’s collaborative approach is among the best observed.

Page 89 of the report highlighted the strength of political leadership, noting the skilled cabinet member, cross-party support, and the high regard in which the scrutiny committee and its chair are held by the independent peer reviewers.

A member expressed appreciation for the staff’s efforts and reiterated the importance of transparency in reporting. They emphasised that the Committee should continue to receive updates on both successes and areas for improvement, to avoid any surprises and maintain public confidence.

Another member thanked Adrian for the report and acknowledged the hard work of the team.

A question was raised about safeguarding practices and whether there is sufficient awareness of safeguarding pathways. Adrian responded that the integrated neighbourhood teams had previously included a specialist safeguarding team, which has since been restructured. This change has been identified during the discovery phase, and the service is now moving into the design phase to address it. He acknowledged that some staff have moved into different teams but assured the Committee that the service is self-aware and actively addressing the issue.

Further discussion focused on the clarity of access to adult social care services. A member asked how the pathways could be made clearer. Adrian explained that one of the benefits of integration is the potential to simplify access but acknowledged that the current system has too many entry points. The digital access experience is not yet satisfactory, and improvements are needed to streamline the process and enhance the website.

A final question asked whether anything in the peer review findings had surprised the leadership team. Adrian responded that there were no major surprises, as the team is closely involved in all aspects of service delivery. However, one comment regarding care providers was particularly reassuring, as it confirmed that the service is not overlooking any critical areas.

The Committee noted the report and expressed pride in the achievements of the staff. Members agreed that the service is in a strong position ahead of the CQC inspection and commended the leadership for their proactive approach. The Committee wished the team continued success and reaffirmed their support moving forward.

It Was Agreed:

·         The update be noted

·         Adrian and the team be thanked for their hard work