They praised the council for the support it provides local people in their official findings, saying residents told inspectors they felt listened to, that assessments were arranged quickly and that staff understood what mattered most in their lives.
The CQC gave the council the second-highest overall rating available for adult social care services, and Lambeth’s inspection outcome puts it in the top 10 per cent of councils nationally for adult social care, based on overall scores published so far.
Lambeth was also rated ‘outstanding’ for the Equity in Experience and Outcomes section of the overall assessment.
Chris Badger, CQC’s chief inspector of adult social care and integrated care, said: “Fairness was a clear strength in Lambeth. This is especially important in one of London’s most ethnically diverse boroughs.
“Leaders had developed services for communities whose needs are too often overlooked, including specialist residential care for Asian and Jewish communities, accommodation for LGBTQ+ residents, and culturally specific peer support for people from African and Caribbean backgrounds.
“We were also encouraged to see how Lambeth is helping people stay independent and avoid unnecessary long-term care. Staff worked with health partners to provide joined-up short-term support, equipment and rehabilitation following illness or injury. This helped many people recover without needing ongoing care.”
The CQC, which regulates health and social care in England, has a new legal duty to inspect local authority adult social care services and find out how well they are supporting the wellbeing and independence of working age disabled adults, older people and their unpaid carers.
It looks at nine areas across four themes to assess how well councils are meeting their responsibilities. Each of these nine areas is then rated from one to four; with one being evidence of significant shortfalls, and four showing an exceptional standard. Lambeth scored threes and fours across the board.
Ian Davis, Lambeth Council’s Chief Executive, said: “This is a really good outcome and I am delighted that inspectors have found Lambeth Council services here amongst the best in the country as demonstrated by the ‘good’ rating we have been awarded and the positive feedback across all of the domains reviewed.
“It’s so heartening to hear that the effort we put into supporting our residents and that our focus on providing top-quality front-line services was recognised by independent inspectors who have come to Lambeth and thoroughly reviewed our work.
“I want to say well done to everyone working in our adult social care services and to our valued partners who are key to these efforts. We are committed to both keeping up the good work and further improvement.”
Almost 5,000 people in Lambeth have long-term adult social care support. No two care packages are the same and can vary a lot in their intensity, duration and cost. The council invests close to £150million a year in providing these services to Lambeth residents most in need and to also support others to stay as independent as they can be.
Mr Badger said: “At this assessment, we found people using adult social care services in Lambeth generally had positive experiences. People told us they felt listened to, that assessments were arranged quickly at times and places that suited them, and that staff understood what mattered most in their lives.
“Partnership working in Lambeth was strong and making a positive difference to people’s lives. The local authority worked with NHS and voluntary sector partners to support faster hospital discharge and more joined-up care. Early help and advice services were also reducing demand for longer-term support, allowing staff to focus on people with more complex needs.
“Overall, Lambeth should be proud of the many positive findings in our report. Its commitment to fairness, strong partnership working and focus on independence are benefiting people who use services. We look forward to seeing further progress.”
To read the full report visit www.cqc.org.uk.
