Joint Engagement Forum – Key Discussion Summary

Adult Social Care Performance and Improvement

An update was provided on the recent Care Quality Commission (CQC) assessment of Adult Social Care. While people’s experiences were reported as generally positive, key areas for improvement were identified, including:

• Reducing waiting times for assessments and reviews.
• Increasing the availability of local support services.
• Improving support for unpaid carers.
• Strengthening safeguarding arrangements and transition pathways.
• Ensuring consistent rights-based practice.
• Improving performance monitoring and quality assurance.

Forum members highlighted concerns about safeguarding, access to care in rural communities, cultural equity, and people’s confidence in raising concerns about services. Discussions also considered whether some care plans adequately meet individual needs and how feedback can be used to improve services.

Local Government Reorganisation

Members received an update on Local Government Reorganisation in Devon. Although proposed changes have been paused pending further review, it was confirmed that adult social care services will continue as normal while improvement work remains the priority. Discussion focused on concerns around geographical boundaries, community impacts, and opportunities for more joined-up working between organisations.

Promoting Positive Lived Experience

A presentation showcased a new project highlighting positive stories from Deaf and disabled people. The initiative aims to challenge negative perceptions and promote greater understanding among decision makers, public services, and wider communities.

Key Engagement Themes

Members discussed issues to be raised through wider health and wellbeing work, identifying several recurring themes:

• Access to services in rural areas.
• Digital exclusion.
• Social isolation.
• Workforce shortages affecting service delivery.
• Access to NHS dentistry.
• Concerns about people receiving the level of support they have been assessed as needing.

Updates from Partner Organisations

Partner organisations shared examples of ongoing engagement and co-production activity across Devon, including:

• Work to improve health and social care experiences for people with learning disabilities.
• Friendship groups supporting social connection and identifying adult social care issues.
• Co-production projects relating to safeguarding, housing, accessibility, and service improvement.
• Support and peer networks for autistic and neurodivergent people.
• Programmes helping people from ethnically diverse communities access NHS digital services.
• New arrangements for carer peer support and carer ambassador services across Devon.

Looking Ahead

The forum considered a range of upcoming engagement opportunities, including scrutiny activities, accessibility initiatives, and opportunities for people with lived experience to influence the development of council services and communications.