Council reveals plan to improve adults services in West Northamptonshire after Care Quality Commission review
West Northamptonshire Council has approved a roadmap to improve adult social care following the Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) assessment.
Cabinet agreed the co‑produced improvement plan this week in response to the CQC’s grading of the services as ‘requires improvement’ in January.
Inspectors noted strengths in person‑centred practice, safeguarding arrangements and partnership working, while highlighting the need to improve waiting times, access to services, data quality and leadership stability.
“A clear, practical plan is now in place that reflects the views of people who draw on care, unpaid carers, staff and local partners,” said a West Northamptonshire Council spokesperson. “Feedback from carers and residents has directly shaped priorities, including faster access to respite, reduced waits for reviews, occupational therapy assessments and equipment, and improved equality of access and experience.”
The roadmap sets six priority areas: workforce development; communication and access to information; leadership; data and performance management; partnership working; and equality, diversity and inclusion. Immediate actions include a new supervision policy, strengthened safeguarding triage, updated practice audits and a focused review of Learning Disability and Autism services.
Councillor Laura Couse, cabinet member for adult social care and public health, said: “This roadmap has been produced by listening carefully to carers and residents and acting on what they have told us. While the CQC recognised existing strong foundations, we know where we need to improve and we are committed to doing so.”
The cabinet‑approved CQC Outcome and Improvement Plan will be shared with the Department of Health and Social Care, a spokesperson said. Progress will be monitored through established governance arrangements and updates published as improvements are delivered.