The news makes the council one of the only local authorities in the country to receive the top rating.
The phrase ‘hard work pays off’ perfectly describes Kensington and Chelsea Council. Following a recent inspection, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) rated their adult social care services as ‘outstanding’.
Experts from the CQC praised the local authority’s strong leadership skills and person-centred approach to delivering care. Inspectors said they were particularly impressed that the council had no waiting lists across its Care Act functions.
Cllr Elizabeth Campbell, leader of Kensington and Chelsea Council, said the result ‘really means a lot’.
‘In our children’s services, we are outstanding, and now to have outstanding in our adult social care really means a lot as, part of our Grenfell legacy is to become the best council’.
When the Grenfell tragedy struck in 2017 the council were blamed for their poor ability to work well with communities. What’s more in 2022, the High Court ruled the council was liable for the deaths of four residents, because they failed to ensure the building was not defective.
However, during the inspection members of the CQC said the local authority has clearly learned from its mistakes and is working to build strong partnerships with its communities.
‘We were very impressed to see the exceptional levels of service being provided by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea,’ James Bullion, CQC’s chief inspection of adult social care and integrated care, said. ‘Their clear commitment to timely support, early intervention, and equity was evident throughout the system.
‘Overall, Kensington and Chelsea Council should be extremely proud of this assessment and the outstanding care they’re providing to people. Other local authorities should look at this report to see if there’s anything they can learn.’
The full report from the CQC can be accessed here.
Photo by Giorgio Trovato via UnSplash
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