BASW shocked by number of inadequate social care providers

The British Association of Social Workers (BASW) said it is shocked that a number of Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection summaries and reports have been published with inadequate ratings for health and social provision that provides care and support to autistic people and people with learning disabilities.

BASW England condemns the abuse of autistic adults and those with learning disabilities in all forms including unsafe environments, neglect and inhuman and degrading treatment. 

It is committed to upholding the human rights of every citizen and challenging human rights abuse just as our Homes not Hospitals campaign states.

BASW England’s Homes not Hospitals campaign was launched because too many people with learning disabilities and autistic adults are being failed by the care system.

In its overarching statement on Human Rights, BASW UK identifies the pressures arising from the pandemic and the difficulties in responding to these which run the risk of undermining entitlements, reducing human rights and removing safeguards.

As social workers BASW’s practice is underpinned by social justice, safeguarding and upholding people’s Human Rights, and ensuring people’s voices are heard. That is what the Homes not Hospitals campaign is all about.

BASW England expects all partners we work with to adhere to and promote human rights-based practice and this message is clear in our campaign activity.

It maintains that the use of restraint, including limiting access to the outside world and unsafe environment should always be seen as a failure of the system and care.

BASW said it is shocked that a number of CQC inspection summaries and reports have been published with inadequate ratings for health and social provision that provides care and support to autistic people and people with learning disabilities and call for urgent action.

Recent examples include:

• Ashurst House
• Eldertree Lodge
• St Erme Campus (The provider of this service has requested a review)
• High View

Both St Erme Campus and High View are services that have been rated by the CQC as inadequate and in special measures requiring significant improvements within a six month period.

BASW England questions the effectiveness of this response given the risks identified. It said further assurances are needed from the CQC in relation to all settings with an inadequate rating and in special measures, that the people who live there will the receive the safe and effective support and services that they are entitled to.

In light of the above, BASW is looking closely at our Homes not Hospitals campaign to see what action is needed, if any, to ensure it remains as effective as possible going forward.

BASW England is strongly advocating for social care that is properly resourced and funded to be able to deliver the high-quality support and housing that is needed in the community.

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