Decision details

1.

Title of Item/Report

Care Quality Commission Assurance Report

2.

Record of the Decision

Consideration was given to a report on the Care Quality Commission Assurance Report.

Stockton-on-Tees Adult Care Services were visited by CQC as part of the local authority assurance process which was introduced in 2023.  This assesses how local authorities were performing in delivering adult social care responsibilities under Part 1 of the Care Act.

The final report was received in October 2025 and Stockton-on-Tees adult services were assessed as good. (Final Report was in Background Papers).

The CQC report highlighted areas of strength which confirmed the dedication and commitment of staff, partners, vision and leadership within Adults, Health and Wellbeing as well as the wider Council. As well as areas for development and improvement which were welcomed and would inform the ongoing development programme within the Directorate.

Good to Even Better was a further report that was included to provide the overview of Adult Social Care’s response and next steps in implementing and embedding the changes and developments which would be needed to be even better.

On publication day an email was sent to all Councillors with link to the report. The findings of the CQC report had been shared with staff teams and a celebration event held thanking the staff for their hard work and commitment. The outcome had also been sent to partners and people with lived experience thanking them for being part of the assessment and subsequent successful outcome. Full Council had acknowledged the positive outcome of the assessment. Outcomes had been shared at regional level with the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services. This provided regional assurance and support as well as shared learning across the North East.

With regard to the next steps the additional learning and areas for development would be used to inform a detailed action plan to ensure continuous improvement of the service, experience and outcomes for people.

Regular oversight and assurance reporting through governance channels would be provided as part of ongoing performance monitoring and scrutiny.

RESOLVED that:-

1. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) report and outcome be noted.

2. The next steps on the Good to even better journey be noted.

3.

Reasons for the Decision

For noting only.

4.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

None

5.

Declared (Cabinet Member) Conflicts of Interest

None

6.

Details of any Dispensations

None

7.

Date and Time by which Call In must be executed

N/A