Decision

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:

a)      Noted the progress and actions completed since approval of the CQC Improvement Plan in April 2026; 

b)      Endorsed?the next phase of the Becoming Better Together Improvement Programme for 2026–2027; 

c)       Supported continued oversight of delivery through the established governance arrangements; and supports?the development of a strengthened Adult Social Care assurance framework to provide greater visibility of statutory compliance, practice, quality, performance and outcomes. 

   REASON RESOLVED:

The recommendations enable Cabinet to maintain oversight of the Council’s response to the CQC assessment and provide assurance on progress since the Improvement Plan was approved. 

The CQC identified strengths in person-centred practice, prevention, safeguarding and  partnership working, alongside areas requiring improvement including waiting times, capacity,  data quality, communication and inequalities in people’s access to and experience of services. 

Becoming Better Together provides the framework for addressing these findings while connecting the CQC response with the Council’s wider Adult Social Care transformation and  Sustainability priorities. 

The next phase will increasingly move from assurance based on completion of actions to Assurance based on the impact those actions have on practice, performance and the experience  and outcomes of residents. 

The Improvement Programme supports the Council in meeting its statutory responsibilities under the Care Act 2014 and associated legislative requirements relating to Adult Social Care,  safeguarding and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. 

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS: This report is for information only