Wokingham borough council’s adult social care services have been rated among the best in the country by Care Quality Commission (CQC) – the independent national regulator.
Following an inspection in March, the council’s services received an overall rating of 81%, the third highest issued by the CQC in the country to date.
The CQC looks at nine areas and rated Wokingham Borough’s ‘Outstanding’ in two (Partnerships and Communities and Learning, Improvement and Innovation) and ‘Good’ in all others.
In particular, the CQC recognised the council’s consistent high standards, innovative practice and commitment to partnership working, including the breadth of work with the voluntary and community sector.
Inspectors praised Wokingham Borough for its “exceptional” approach to collaboration, awarding a top rating for partnership work.
The council’s leadership in local partnerships, including the Health and Wellbeing Board and Safeguarding Adults Board, was highlighted as driving strategic improvement and key to better results for residents.
James Bullion, CQC’s chief inspector of adult social care and integrated care, said: “Leaders and staff at Wokingham should be delighted with the findings of our report, which show a local authority committed to getting people the right support.
“Staff at all levels at Wokingham listened to people’s needs, feedback and concerns. They gave people with lived experience a clear and respected voice, which helped improve services and enhance people’s experiences.”
Cllr David Hare, executive member for adult services, health and wellbeing, said: “This CQC rating is a powerful endorsement of our staff’s dedication and professionalism.
“Their tireless work is making a real difference in people’s lives every day. What most pleases me about this report is that it is independent confirmation that residents are getting high quality support that puts them and their experiences at the heart of what we do.”
Welcoming the news, Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, leader of the Conservative group, noted how many of changes were made six years ago when her party was in control of the council.
She said: “While in control of the council, the Conservatives made fundamental changes to the way in which adult social care is delivered.
“This streamlined the service and helped improve the quality of support that is provided.”
