Significant progress is being made in key areas of our adult social care work, according to an update at today’s (Wednesday 14 October) Cabinet meeting.
Although a recent Care Quality Commission (CQC) report found that Devon “demonstrated significant strengths in its approach to adult social care” the authority was rated as “Requires Improvement” – missing out on a rating of “Good” by one point.
However, it found that people’s experiences of adult social care in Devon reflect a “positive picture” with around 68% of people in Devon satisfied with the care and support they receive, which is above the national average.
The assessment also recognised a clear trajectory of improvement in a number of areas, and confirmed that our established priorities remain the right areas for sustained improvement.
Following the CQC’s findings, we’re required to update the Department of Health and Social Care about how we’re addressing the areas identified for improvement, and Councillors noted the progress.
Our improvement plan for adult social care, called Living Well in Devon, was approved in November 2025 to coordinate improvements that were already underway. It is now also providing the framework to respond to the Care Quality Commission’s findings.
Current progress includes:
- The number of people waiting for a financial assessment was 1,098, as of 26 April 2026. That’s a 65% reduction from 3,144 people at the time of the CQC inspection. (Delays in financial assessments do not delay people from receiving care).
- New arrangements for supporting unpaid carers in Devon are now in place. Carer Assessments and Reviews and the Carers Helpline have transferred into Devon County Council, while a new Carer Wellbeing Alliance is bringing together voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations to provide more local, preventative support. The next phase will be developed with carers, staff and VCSE partners, helping to shape support around what works best for carers in their communities.
- Safeguarding concerns are now risk assessed on the day they are received, ensuring people at greatest risk are prioritised immediately. Processes have also been reviewed to identify risk earlier and improve links with providers, commissioning teams and NHS partners, supporting a more preventative and coordinated approach to safeguarding.
- Significant progress has been made in strengthening the partnership between Devon County Council and district housing authorities. Regular housing forums are improving collaboration on supported housing strategies, enabling greater influence over local planning policies and increasing provision for specialist and Extra Care Housing.
Councillor Richard Keeling, Cabinet Member for Adults Services, said:
“Although we had already made a start with improvements before the Care Quality Commission carried out its inspection, their assessment provided us with independent validation of our direction of travel. So it was reassuring that they identified the same principal challenges and it meant that we could continue addressing those areas that were underway.
“It also set out where more sustained focus is required and we accept there is more we can do to ensure a better experience for people accessing support. The timeliness of Care Act assessments and reviews remains a key priority and an area where we need to accelerate progress.”
We will complete and submit our plan to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) later this month and will provide quarterly progress reports to them, with the first expected in January next year.
Progress will also be reported to Councillors through the Health and Adult Care Scrutiny Committee, to support continued Member oversight of improvements.