Adult social care services rated good

Under the Care Act 2014, the CQC is newly required to assess local authorities adult social care provision as to how well they are meeting their responsibility to ensure people have access to adult social care and support.

The team was assessed by the CQC inspectors in March with their report and rating released this morning (18 July 2025).

They looked at nine areas spread across four themes to assess how well Slough is meeting their responsibilities in order to create their good rating.

The CQC has rated each of these nine areas a score out of four with one being the evidence shows significant shortfalls, and four showing an exceptional standard.

 David Coleman-Groom, executive director adult social care, said: “This rating is a credit to the dedicated team we have working here in Slough and to all of our partners and care providers, committed to the welfare and wellbeing of all the residents who need our support.

“The report recognises we are on a journey of improvement and though huge strides have been made, there is still much to do to ensure we are providing the most appropriate services to those who need us the most.”

Councillor Anna Wright, lead member for adult social care, said: “The report highlights the excellent work being undertaken by the team in the very challenging financial circumstances since 2021 and is particularly cognisant of the improvements which have taken place over the past year.

“Where more needs to be done, we will make sure it happens, working with our partners, our incredible co-production network members to continue to improve our services for our residents, their dedicated and tireless carers and our young people as they move into adulthood.”

James Bullion, CQC’s chief inspector of adult social care and integrated care, said: “Despite significant financial challenges since 2021, Slough Borough Council has prioritised adult social care and increased investment in services. Since then, it has made significant progress in care provision in the borough.

“Slough Borough Council's 2024 performance remains below national averages, but evidence shows a steady improvement and strong local commitment. Staff told us about higher morale, better teamwork, and improved access to training and career development. The adult social care directorate continues to improve and reflects the borough’s diverse population.

“Most residents experienced smooth service transitions, particularly from hospital to home, often supported by the same social worker throughout. The authority worked with partners to deliver reablement services, helping people regain independence. Occupational therapists supported safe discharges by recommending suitable equipment and long-term care.

“Leaders demonstrated a strong understanding of equality, diversity, and inclusion. They used demographic and health inequality data, in partnership with public health, to inform the authority’s equality plan and respond to an ageing population. 

“The authority supported people with disabilities into work through the Supported Employment Programme, funded by a Department of Work and Pensions grant. In Slough, about 11% of residents reported a disability affecting daily life. The programme helped people gain independence, reduce social isolation and prevent associated issues like depression, It also supported the borough’s aim to prevent, reduce and delay care needs. 

“Some staff and partners said financial challenges limited the borough’s ability to fund projects like improving the housing offer in Slough. However, they also highlighted strong co-production and partnership working. People felt heard, and the authority acted on their feedback such as by setting up an autism steering group and bringing carers services back in-house.

“Slough Borough Council should be very proud of the work they have done and the outcomes they have achieved. They know what further work is needed and we look forward to seeing how their plans develop and build on these successes.”

The assessment team recognised:

• The authority focused on prevention and promoting independence in its strategies, encouraging the use of technology-enabled care.
• Reablement services worked well, with strong multidisciplinary support from social workers, occupational therapists, and physiotherapists. They had effective equipment provision agreements, with no delays for basic items. However, people waited longer for access to specialist equipment and adaptations.
• Staff held relevant qualifications, including roles in mental health, sensory impairment, and occupational therapy. Leaders provided ample training, development, and career progression opportunities. They also made sure staff’s caseloads were manageable and monitored and regularly consulted with staff about capacity.
• Many people accessed direct payments which gave them more control over their care. Staff made sure they could access ongoing advice and support. In 2023/24, 30.31% of service users received direct payments—exceeding the national average of 25.48%.
• The authority now treats care-experienced children as a protected characteristic, aiming to improve support during their transition to adult services and address care gaps.
• The authority implemented clear, effective safeguarding policies to protect people from harm.
• Slough Borough Council and Frimley Integrated Care Board funded 31 local voluntary and community sector groups through the ‘One Slough’ Community Fund. They funded projects focused on health, wellbeing, reducing loneliness, and tackling poverty. Co-production network members contributed to funding discussions and decisions.
• Staff reported strong partnerships with health, housing, police, and fire services. Regular audits reviewed their work, and teams shared learning through meetings and training. A local authority audit of safeguarding cases involving domestic abuse identified key development areas. These findings were shared at the Safeguarding Adults Managers Forum.

However, the inspectors also found:

• The authority’s care and support services didn't always meet demand. They had gaps existed in adapted housing, respite for autistic people, services for those with learning disabilities and complex dementia, nursing for younger adults with bariatric needs, and day services. Staff reported these issues, and leaders acknowledged them, they are included in the market position statement and are developing capacity plans.
• Staff put in place flexible assessments and tailored support for unpaid carers, including training and community activities. However, carers had mixed feedback as some carers missed assessments or weren’t aware of support. This highlights the ongoing need for clearer communication and consistent follow-up. 
• People’s transitions from children to adult services remained a challenge. Families told us about confusion about care act rights, delays, and inconsistent communication. The authority now involves adult social care earlier in transition planning, although this is still work in development.

The full report can also be found on the CQC website: Slough Borough Council: local authority assessment - Care Quality Commission