The Health and Adult Care Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday 14 September 2026 to consider a range of important reports concerning adult social care, carers' support, and dental services. Key discussions are expected to focus on the findings of a recent Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection of adult social care services, plans to improve outcomes for unpaid carers, and an update on NHS dental services in Devon.

Integrated Adult Social Care and CQC Inspection Report and Improvement Plan

A significant item on the agenda is the report detailing the findings of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection of Devon County Council's adult social care services. The CQC report, published on 17 July 2026, rated the council as Requires Improvement overall. The report highlights both strengths, such as person-centred practice and partnership working, and areas needing continued focus, including the timeliness of assessments and reviews, safeguarding, and support for unpaid carers. The committee will consider how it wishes to be updated on the progress of the improvement plan, which is due to be presented to Cabinet in October, and how it will be involved in preparations for future inspection activities. The report notes that while the overall rating is disappointing, it is seen as a broadly positive and an important milestone that confirms Devon's improvement plans are moving in the right direction.

Securing Improved Outcomes for Carers

The committee will also review a report on securing better outcomes for carers. This follows the end of the current Devon Carers contract, leading to a redesign of the support model. The new approach involves bringing the Carer Assessment and Review function in-house to Devon County Council and establishing a new grant-based model with the voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) sector, known as a Carer Wellbeing Alliance. This aims to improve outcomes for carers, strengthen local and preventative support, and provide clearer accountability. The report highlights that while carer-reported quality of life remains a concern, with 94% of carers' assessments completed within 28 days, there are mixed views on the consistency and impact of support. The committee will consider how it wishes to be updated on the implementation progress and how it will receive feedback from unpaid carers on the impact of the new approach and the Carer Wellbeing Alliance.

NHS Devon ICB Dental Services Update

An update on NHS dental services within the Devon Integrated Care Board (ICB) area will also be presented. The report covers national dental contract reform, which was introduced from April 2026, focusing on areas such as urgent care, complex care pathways, and prevention. Locally, Devon holds 167 NHS dental contracts, and providers delivered 864,579 Units of Dental Activity (UDAs) in 2025/26, achieving 84% of the planned target. There has been a 5% increase in Urgent Dental Care (UDC) activity in 2025/26, the first year-on-year increase since before 2019/20. Key challenges identified include patient access, particularly for vulnerable groups, and workforce recruitment and retention of dentists, with Devon experiencing difficulties attracting dentists compared to other areas. The report outlines priorities and progress in improving access, supporting vulnerable groups, workforce development, and prevention.

Adults Transformation Programme Standing Overview Group

The committee will receive an update from the Health and Adult Care Scrutiny Standing Overview Group regarding the Adults Transformation Programme, also known as the Living Well in Devon programme. This programme aims to modernise adult social care and ensure its long-term sustainability. The Standing Overview Group has been monitoring progress, focusing on delivery of planned outcomes, financial savings, alignment with strategic plans, risk management, and impacts on service users, carers, and the workforce. The report indicates that the programme has progressed through its diagnostic phase and into implementation, with tangible improvements reported for several hundred service users. The group has requested stronger performance evidence, including validated key performance indicators and financial benefits.

Health and Adult Care General Update

A general update on health and adult care matters will also be provided. This includes information on the Government's Big Conversation on Care initiative, which seeks public views on what a National Care Service in England could look like. The Living Well in Devon programme continues to progress, aiming to help residents live more independently and deliver significant savings. Early evidence suggests positive outcomes for residents, with improvements in reablement and hospital discharge pathways. The update also covers a quarterly performance report, a public health update on the disposal of disposable vapes, and an update on dental epidemiology surveys. Additionally, there will be information on the appointment of a new cluster chief executive for NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly and NHS Devon, the appointment of a joint executive team, and the ongoing process of ICB merger engagement. The financial performance of the One Devon NHS system will also be reviewed.

Scrutiny Committee Work Programme

Finally, the committee will review its work programme, determining which items should be included for future scrutiny. Members may also wish to review the Cabinet Forward Plan and the Risk Register to identify any specific items they wish to explore further.