A report by the Director of Adult Social Services provided the Cabinet with an introduction to the CQC Inspection findings from its review undertaken in May 2010.  The focus of the Inspection had been on safeguarding adults, making a positive contribution for adults with a learning disability and increased choice and control for adults with a learning disability.

The report had been embargoed to the public until after this meeting and from then would be available on the CQC’s website and in Easyread versions.

Sue Talbot, the Lead Inspector and her Manager, Dot Metcalf were in attendance at the meeting.  Ms Talbot made a presentation to the Cabinet setting out the main findings of the review, that had taken place over six days in May.  The CQC criticised the Council’s performance on safeguarding adults and increasing choice for adults with learning disabilities stating it was “poor”.  It was rated just “adequate” on making a positive contribution for adults with learning difficulties and the Council’s capacity to improve had been categorised as “uncertain”.

A number of recommendations had been made on the way in which the Council could improve its performance in the area of adult social care.  Ms Talbot told the Cabinet that its action plan to bring about the necessary improvement was very thorough, heartening and positive and showed that although the messages resulting from the Inspection had been tough, the Council was taking it very seriously.

Cabinet Members were disturbed and appalled at the findings of the CQC’s report that some of the most vulnerable people in Wirral were at risk and exposed to risk.  The report was crystal clear and Members agreed that protecting vulnerable people and keeping them safe was one of the most basic functions Wirral residents should expect from its Council and this would be made a priority and mean significant changes would be brought about.  They pledged to do whatever was needed to ensure the leadership, management and performance of the DASS was improved.

The Director of Adult Social Services apologised that this Service had not been acceptable.  He was given full Cabinet support, and a timetable to take whatever action was necessary to turn the unacceptable performance around.

RESOLVED: That the Cabinet

(1)  thanks the CQC for the tough but fair report and fully accepts the criticism of the service;

(2)  is clear that this is not a standard of service that is considered in any way acceptable and notes that work has already begun to urgently implement the recommendations of the report; and

(3)  believes that protecting vulnerable people and keeping them safe is one of the most basic functions Wirral residents expect from its Council and is resolved to do whatever it takes to ensure the leadership, management and performance of the DASS is improved and that a new culture of openness, challenge and tackling of poor performance is put in place; and

(4)  instructs the Director of Adult Social Services to bring forward a further report to the 14 October 2010 Cabinet meeting, including the timetable required to deliver the improvements set out in the second revised Improvement Plan.