THE Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated Essex County Council Adult Social Care services as good. This follows an assurance process that began in May 2024.

The CQC published their report today (27 June) and scored the council 73%.

The report highlights the council’s commitment to putting people at the heart of its Adult Social Care services. Some key findings from the report include:

• experiences of Adult Social Care were mostly positive
• people felt listened to, particularly by their social workers
• good structures and processes were in place to support people to remain independent and live healthy lives
• effective safeguarding systems and processes were in place to protect people from abuse and neglect
• a home first approach was prioritised for increased independence and low rates of admissions into permanent residential or nursing care
• a stable political and adult social care leadership system was in place
• partnership working and relationship building with the local authority and local partners was strong
• employees were passionate about what they do and feel supported
• a strong technology offer was in place.

The CQC also praised the council for its future planning. The report highlighted how the council is looking ahead to sustainably support residents now, and into the future.

The assurance process took place during 2024 and included a three-day on-site visit in December 2024. As part of this the CQC conducted interviews and focus groups with people who use social care, employees, leaders, partners and providers.

The key focus was to assess how well council is performing against its duties under Part 1 of the Care Act 2014.

This is a new process taking place across the country where all adult social care services in all councils in England will be assessed by the CQC before the end of 2025. This is the first review of this kind in Essex for 15 years.

Councillor John Spence, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Adult Social Care, Public Health and Integration said: “We welcome today’s report by the CQC and are pleased to have received a good rating for our Adult Social Care services.

“This is our first assessment of this kind. We have welcomed the opportunity to share what we are doing to support adults in the county to live happy, healthy and fulfilling lives.

“What really shone bright throughout the report was how those we support feel listened to, included and supported. This is a testament to the dedication and hard work of all those working in our adult social care services. They strive every day to provide the highest quality care, with kindness, professionalism and respect in all they do.

“We remain committed to continuous improvement and welcome the feedback from the CQC. We will now explore the findings to see where improvements can be made to ensure the best possible care is available for our residents now and into the future.”

Read the CQC report.