Two star rating for Swindon council's social services (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Two star rating for Swindon council's social services

4:54pm Wednesday 26th November 2008 in Swindon By Gazette Reporter

Swindon Borough Council’s Adult Social Care Services has retained its two star rating from Government inspectors.

Despite facing a harder test, Adult Social Care Services has been described as “good”, with “promising” potential for further improvement, according to an independent report published today by the Commission for Social Care Inspection.

Cllr David Renard, Cabinet Member for Health, Housing and Adult Social Care, said: "I am delighted that CSCI has recognised the continued improvement in performance that has been achieved by Adult Social Care in the Borough.

"I would like to thank all staff who have worked hard to deliver better services to the vulnerable and elderly, as acknowledged in this report.

"We are already building on this to ensure the success story continues."

Swindon was one of the first councils in the country to make a joint appointment with their local Primary Care Trust.

Caroline Fowles currently holds the position of Chief Executive of Swindon PCT and Group Director for Housing and Adult Social Care with the Council.

This partnership working approach helped the Council to achieve an additional star last year, taking it to a two star rating.

The latest CSCI report highlights the success of this partnership working, stating: “The Council and PCT have joined-up services so that people experience seamless, responsive care.”

The report also recognises efforts to directly involve people in the decision-making process: “The Council and PCT have used a range of methods to reach out to people across the different service groups in order to involve them in the development of policy and services.”

Caroline Fowles, Chief Executive of the PCT and Group Director for Health, Housing and Adult Social Care, said: “This positive result is extremely good news and shows the tremendous efforts of staff to deliver high quality service to residents of the Borough.

"We have sustained our overall performance again this year, with improved scores within the key outcome areas, and have been recognised for our capacity to improve.

"This is a real credit to Adult Social Care staff, supported by staff from the wider Council, the PCT, our partners in local Health Trusts and the third sector. We know we have more to do and are committed to achieving and sustaining the best possible outcomes for those we serve."

In the following key areas of assessment, Adult Social Care was rated as “excellent” in Making a positive contribution and “good” in Improved health and emotional well-being, Improved quality of life, Increased choice and control, Economic well-being, and Maintaining personal dignity and respect.

In terms of Capacity to Improve, its Leadership potential was “excellent” and Commissioning and use of resources was “promising.”