A report providing information on the outcome of Reading Borough Council’s Adult Social Care Assessment by the Care Quality Commission.

The Committee considered a report presenting the findings of the Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) assessment of the Council’s Adult Social Care service conducted between July 2024 and April 2025, together with progress made since the inspection and priorities for further improvement. An update on the development of the Adult Social Care Strategy was also provided.

The report explained that the evaluation, based on its Single Assessment Framework, had reviewed performance across four themes: Working with People, Providing Support, Ensuring Safety, and Leadership. Evidence was gathered through policy reviews, performance data, stakeholder engagement, and an on-site assessment. An overall score of 53% was received and a rating of ‘Requires Improvement’. The final assessment report detailed many well-developed strengths as well as areas for improvement both of which have been detailed in this report.

It was noted that the Assessment process was a challenging experience resulting in a number of process and quality assurance concerns being raised with the CQC. This resulted in a formal complaint being submitted in January 2026.  Whilst an adult social care improvement plan was in place prior to the assessment with a number of improvements achieved, a refreshed improvement plan aligned with CQC feedback and staff input was now underway, forming the basis of the new Adult Social Care Strategy due to be completed in summer 2026.

The report explained that while the CQC assessment identified areas requiring improvement, the Council had a strong foundation of compassionate care, innovative services, and committed leadership. Continued focus on the identified areas of improvement such as timeliness, safeguarding and accessibility would be critical to achieving a higher rating and delivering effective, equitable, person-centred care for all residents.

The report also provided detailed information on the assessment activity and information on the formal complain to the CQC outlining the Council’s concerns about the assessment of its adult social care services. 

The Committee raised questions on partnerships with health, recruitment and retention, vacancy levels, staff morale, and neighbourhood hubs. Officers responded with detail on strengthened partnerships, reduced vacancies, improved staff wellbeing, and ongoing community work.

Resolved –

(1)  That the content of the report pertaining to the published assessment by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) of the Council’s adult social care delivery of duties under Part 1 of the Care Act 2014 be noted.

(2)  That the improvements made since the CQC assessment and the ongoing improvement plan be noted.

(3)  That progress made against the Council's Adult Social Care Improvement Plan be brough back to the Adult Social Care, Children’s Services and Education Committee for review.