A fresh approach in Worcestershire

Worcestershire County Council has taken major steps to develop its adult safeguarding services since its inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in January 2009.

The authority – in common with the majority of West Midlands’ councils - was rated ‘adequate’, with ‘promising prospects’ for improvement.

Over the past year Worcestershire has embarked on a number of initiatives to raise awareness, improve skills and services, and set up new adult protection processes. These include:

Training – delivering workshops to nearly 2,000 employees ranging from social care and support staff to emergency planners, libraries and museum workers. They were shown how to spot potential abuse of vulnerable people in public places, and how to make safeguarding referrals.

A training strategy has been approved and additional courses will be provided on topics such as investigative skills for managers and undertaking independent management reviews of serious cases.

Members and the Safeguarding Adults Board – specific training for councillors has been provided to increase their awareness. An independent chair, funded jointly by key agencies in the county, will be appointed to the Safeguarding Adults Board.

Adult Protection Referrals – Safeguarding referrals have increased by 46% since last year. The workload has been greatly eased by additional support provided by the county’s new Care Services Quality Team (CSQT), particularly when investigating problems with service providers.

Establishing CSQT – The team provides support and guidance for care homes that are rated ‘poor' or ‘adequate’ by the CQC. All poorly performing homes are dealt with under the adult protection process where they are regularly monitored and reviewed. Home managers are required to suspend admissions until they can demonstrate improvements in care. CSQT works with staff to address failings, particularly in the areas of safeguarding, person centred care and dignity in care.

For information on safeguarding contact Sue Pidduck, Safeguarding lead, spidduck@worcestershire.gov.uk or Nicky Barry, Adult Protection Co-ordinator nbarry@worcestershire.gov.uk .

For information on CSQT contact Annie O’Mara, telephone: 01905 766939, email: aomara@worcestershire.gov.uk