The service needs to improve waiting times
Bristol City Hall at College Green (Image: Copyright Unknown)
Bristol City Council’s adult social care department has been rated as ‘good’ after being assessed by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The rating, which was given following a four-day inspection in January 2025, indicates Bristol Adult Social Care is performing well and is safe, effective and well-led.
During this visit the inspectors spoke to council officers working in Adult Social Care, senior leaders within the council, and people with lived experience of the council’s care and support services, including carers partners and providers.
Whilst the assessment showed essential standards are being met, it also recognised areas for improvement such as reducing waiting times for assessments, provision of support for unpaid carers and increasing the availability of accessible housing and provision of supported living accommodation for young people, are already included in the council’s Adult Social Care continuous improvement and Transformation programme.
Councillor Lorraine Francis, Chair of the Adult Social Care Policy Committee, said: “This assessment presented us with a valuable opportunity to really listen to and understand people’s experiences of our Adult Social Care services.
“It’s great to see so many areas of good practice highlighted within the report including how people feel listened to and involved in the planning of their care and support, the quality of support provided by occupational therapy and the support provided to people moving between services.
“We are aware that there is still more to do, and we are committed to ensuring continuous improvement from the first point someone reaches out to the council to receiving the care and support they need and ensuring timely responses at every step.”
Hugh Evans, Executive Director of Adults and Communities, said: “I’m delighted with the outcome of Bristol’s assessment. Colleagues have worked incredibly hard to gather and present the information and evidence upon which the CQC based its evaluation and should feel really proud of our ‘Good’ rating.
“I’d like to thank everyone who helped us prepare and contributed to the assessment, putting in so much time and effort to get us through the process.
“Thank you to colleagues in the Local Government Association for their counsel in the lead up to and during our assessment, to the people who use our care and support and to our partners who have given their time to have open and honest conversations with the inspectors.
“And of course, special thanks goes to our colleagues across Adult Social Care and the council who have shown drive and commitment throughout.”