The Adult Social Care and Communities Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday 15 September 2026 to discuss updates on enabling healthier lifestyles in Gloucestershire, including performance of the Healthy Lifestyles Service and proposed new strategies for tobacco control and healthy weight. The committee also received an update on Adult Social Care services, including the integration of Occupational Therapists, progress on new care homes, and a review of safeguarding arrangements.

Enabling Healthier Lifestyles in Gloucestershire

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the work being done to promote healthier lifestyles across Gloucestershire. This included a review of the performance of the Adults' Healthy Lifestyles Service (HLS), delivered by ABL Health Ltd. The report indicated a steady improvement in overall performance, particularly in smoking cessation outcomes and weight management activity levels. However, areas requiring further attention were highlighted, including smoking in pregnancy and the consistency of weight management outcomes.

The meeting was also set to discuss two forthcoming strategies: the Gloucestershire Tobacco Control Strategy (2026-2031) and the Gloucestershire Healthy Weight Strategy (2026-2036). These strategies, pending Cabinet consideration, aim to provide a whole-system approach to prevention, reducing inequalities, and supporting healthier lives. The Tobacco Control Strategy's vision is to create a Smokefree Gloucestershire by 2030, with a mission to reduce adult smoking prevalence to 5% or less. The Healthy Weight Strategy's vision is for Gloucestershire is a place where every resident has the opportunity to maintain a healthy weight, with a mission to create environments where healthy choices are the easy choice, challenge weight stigma, and act on the social and economic drivers of obesity. The committee was invited to comment on these strategies.

Adult Social Care Update

The committee was scheduled to receive an overview of matters relating to the delivery of Adult Social Care in Gloucestershire. This included several key areas:

Occupational Therapists joining Adult Social Care

Since August 2026, Adult Social Care has welcomed 85 Occupational Therapy colleagues following the transfer of the council-funded service from Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust. This significant transition aims to integrate services supporting approximately 600-700 referrals per month and a waiting list of over 1,200 cases. The move is intended to foster greater integration with Social Care and Reablement services, enhancing the focus on prevention, independence, and positive outcomes for residents.

Adult Social Care Annual Report

The committee was to be provided with a link to the Adult Social Care annual report for 2025-26, which details the work undertaken over the past year, including case studies and examples of the service's impact.

Update on the New Care Homes Programme

The meeting was scheduled to receive an update on the new-build care homes programme in Stonehouse, Cinderford, and Tewkesbury/Coombe Hill. The programme is being shaped through engagement with service users, local communities, elected members, and operational partners, with a focus on creating safe, sustainable homes connected to their local areas. In Stonehouse, demolition is delayed due to ecological monitoring, and planning permission is still pending. In Cinderford, initial design development has progressed, and a pre-application planning submission has been made. For Tewkesbury/Coombe Hill, the Highways Depot and Fire Training Facility are progressing ahead of the care home due to operational requirements.

Gloucestershire Adult Safeguarding Review: Key Messages for Scrutiny Members

A briefing note was to be shared following a discussion at full Council earlier in the year. This followed a joint review by the Gloucestershire Safeguarding Adult's Board and the Children's Safeguarding Partnership, prompted by the prosecution of a Gloucestershire resident for modern slavery. The review aimed to identify lessons learned and potential improvements to safeguarding practice. A one-page summary of the learning has been published to protect the identity of those affected by abuse and exploitation.

Trend in Social Worker Turnover

An explanation was to be provided for a slight increase in social worker turnover to 10.1% in December 2025. While an upward trend, it was not considered a significant concern, with analysis suggesting it is attributable to retirements, promotions, and internal movement rather than recruitment or retention difficulties. Reporting issues associated with SAP meant data from March 2026 onwards was not yet available.

Performance Scorecard Query Relating to the Q4 Update

The committee was to be informed about the GCC Quality Team's reports following quality visits. These reports are primarily for providers to support continuous improvement and are not designed for publication. The report discussed the potential for publishing ratings in the future, once a comprehensive assessment process is established, while noting the sensitive nature of such information and the importance of maintaining trust with providers.

Community Reablement Briefing

This paper was intended to provide members with a clear explanation of the rationale for the community reablement model, safeguards for residents and staff, consultation and dispute resolution activities, and mechanisms for quality assurance and contract management. Community reablement is a free, short-term service designed to help people regain independence after illness or hospital discharge. The new model aims to expand access to community reablement, increasing the number of people supported annually and enabling earlier intervention. The report detailed changes to the service model, staff engagement, consultation processes, and procurement outcomes, with contracts awarded to Retain, Mega, and La Vie en Rose for different geographical areas.

Public Health Update

The committee was scheduled to receive an update from the Director of Public Health, Siobhan Farmer, covering several key areas:

Health and Wellbeing Board - Neighbourhood Health Update

An update was to be provided on Gloucestershire's developing approach to the government's Neighbourhood Health Framework, which aims to provide care closer to home and join up services locally. Priorities include agreeing neighbourhood footprints and developing Integrated Neighbourhood Teams focused on groups at higher risk of poor health.

Revised Chief Medical Officer's Physical Activity Guidelines

The committee was to be informed about the updated Physical Activity Guidelines published in July 2026. These guidelines reinforce the benefits of physical activity, highlight the risks of prolonged sitting, and emphasise muscle-strengthening and balance activities throughout life. The guidance is particularly relevant to the Adult Social Care prevention agenda, supporting the aim of helping people remain independent for longer.

Tobacco and Vapes: Packaging, Appearance and Display – Government Consultation

An update was to be provided on the Department of Health and Social Care's UK-wide consultation regarding regulations for the packaging, appearance, and retail display of tobacco, vaping, and nicotine products. This consultation, part of the government's ambition to create a smokefree generation, seeks to reduce the attractiveness and visibility of these products, particularly to young people.

Refugee Support Service (Item on Forward Plan)

An update was to be given on the commissioning of a refugee support service, currently delivered by Gloucestershire Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (GARAS). Due to changes in resettlement programmes and expected demand, the approach has shifted from a framework agreement to a single contract for an initial three-year term, with options to extend.

Operation Valour – Armed Forces Veterans Hub Bid

The committee was to be updated on a bid for Operation Valour Hub funding to establish a physical multi-use veterans hub in Gloucester, known as the Gloucestershire Valour Recognised Centre (GVRC). The bid, with GL Communities as the operational lead and Gloucestershire County Council as the fund holder, has progressed to Stage Two.

Services for Women Experiencing Severe and Multiple Disadvantage (SMD) (Item on Forward Plan)

An update was to be provided on services for women experiencing severe and multiple disadvantage, currently delivered by The Nelson Trust. The preferred option is to procure a jointly commissioned service for a two-year term, with options to extend, to provide greater funding certainty and strategic oversight.

The committee was also scheduled to review the work plan and note recurring reports, including the NHS Gloucestershire Integrated Care System performance, NHS Integrated Care Board updates, quarterly performance reports, public health updates, and adult social care reports.