Top marks for Barnsley from Commission for Social Care Inspection

ADULT Social Services in Barnsley have been rated as ‘good’ and ‘excellent’ following a visit by the government’s Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI), in July.

CSCI, an independent body established to regulate social care, carried out an inspection to determine how well Barnsley Council is serving vulnerable and older local people and rated their performance based on nationally agreed standards. 

There were two main themes of the inspection: the council’s performance in the safeguarding of vulnerable adults from poor treatment and abuse – rated as good; and how well preventative services were being delivered to older people – rated as excellent. Overall, CSCI concluded that the council has a clear local vision with a promising capacity to improve.

As part of the inspection process CSCI interviewed a number of people who use adult social care services, their carers and staff in the council and its partner organisations. CSCI also looked at case files and conducted a postal survey. Most people who responded to the survey reported they were satisfied with the care they received. 

The inspectors commended the council on how it involves service users and carers in developing and improving services. They were impressed with how the council supports service user-led organisations.

Cllr David Bostwick, Cabinet spokesperson for Adult Services and Health said: “The council welcomes the report and views it as an opportunity to learn lessons and to support and re-enforce our continuing work in maintaining and improving outcomes for the people of Barnsley.” He added: “I would like to thank to all those staff, service users and carers who were involved and contributed in the inspection.”

The findings from the inspection will contribute to the commission’s overall ‘star rating’ of Adult Social Services, due to be announced in November. Currently, Barnsley has one of the best performing Adult Social Services departments in the country, having been rated at the maximum three stars for the past three years.  

ENDS