The Strategic Director of Social Care and Education provided
a verbal update following the recent CQC inspection of the Shared Lives scheme.
The Assistant City Mayor introduced the item noting that the
CQC had identified areas requiring improvement which were being implemented.
The Shared Lives Scheme had retained a ‘Good’ rating for the Caring element.
The Director for Adult Social Care and Commissioning noted
the following:
- The Shared Lives service
was developed to support adults within a family home setting. Carers
promoted independence and supported individuals to participate in their
communities.
- The model enabled people
to achieve the outcomes that mattered to them.
- Although relatively small,
the service was highly valued by service users.
- The in-house team
consisted of a registered manager, 3 full-time officers and one
team support worker.
- Of the 27 people supported
by the service, 14 were engaged in employment, volunteering or education,
11 could access their community independently, and 14 had successfully
transitioned from fostering into adulthood through Shared Lives support.
- The CQC inspection had
taken place in June 2026 resulting in a rating of ‘Requires Improvement.’
Governance and consistency of process were the key areas highlighted.
- Inspectors had found that
carers knew the people they supported exceptionally well, treating them
with dignity and respect while helping them to achieve meaningful life
outcomes.
- The inspectors noted that
management already had plans in place to address the issues identified.
These plans were now being accelerated, with an emphasis on improving
communication and strengthening proactive leadership.
- Practices under review,
included medication management.
- Additional training was in
place for Carers.
- The improvement plan,
including both immediate and longer-term actions, was mapped against the
CQC domains of Safe, Effective, Responsive and Well led, and progress was
monitored through formal governance arrangements to ensure that
improvements were implemented, sustained and evidenced over time.
- Positive service user
feedback was shared with the Commission which included examples of
improved independence and achievement.
In response to member discussion and questions, the
following was noted:
- Members recognised the
benefits of care provision beyond care homes.
- Members requested more
detail on Carer recruitment and attrition rates.
- Involvement with the
Shared Lives Plus network had enabled nationwide sharing of best practice.
- The allocation of a senior
manager would help to drive performance.
- Placements could provide
respite or long-term care.
- A quality assurance impact
tool was in place providing an impact overview.
- Members requested that the
Change Management report include information on capacity for escalating
issues, including quality assurance from an overall social care
perspective.
- A request was made for
scrutiny reports to highlight Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
implications.
- Members raised concerns
about ensuring improvements did not undermine Carers' good work. It was
noted that a person-centred approach would strengthen risk management
while minimising disruption to carers.
- The Shared Lives First
model encouraged people to consider the service before entering a
residential setting.
- A ranging size of
provision was available, but this might fluctuate due to sector changes
and LGR.
- The Chair requested that
the Commission’s recognition be communicated to the service.
AGREED:
1)
That the update be noted.
2)
For information on recruitment and attrition
rates to come to Scrutiny.
3)
For Change Management reporting to include
capacity for escalation from an overall Social Care perspective.
4)
To consider whether LGR implications should be
included in future Scrutiny reports.