Camden Becomes First in the Country to Receive ‘Outstanding’ Rating for Adult Social Care Under New CQC Ratings
Camden Council’s adult social care services have been rated ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), making it the first local authority in the country to receive the top rating under the CQC’s new assessment system, introduced in 2023.
The report, published today (Friday 28 February), follows a visit by CQC Inspectors to Camden in November and places it as one of the best performers in the country.
Camden was assessed across nine key areas, receiving an overall score of 89%, with five areas rated at an ‘exceptional standard.’
In the report, Inspectors said that the Council “has an outstanding approach to partnerships and governance” highlighting how this led to “excellence in safe systems.”
The Council’s work with its local partners was praised for its effectiveness in supporting residents who are experiencing mental health difficulties, loneliness, and homelessness across the borough’s diverse communities and those who are refugees or asylum seekers.
Care provisions and safeguarding practices were also said to be “excellent” and Inspectors noted Camden’s clear commitment to reducing inequalities, which featured highly in focus groups with staff.
Camden staff were praised for “going the extra mile” for residents and being compassionate while delivering services that are innovative and continually improving.
In response to the report, Camden Council’s Leader and Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care praised staff working in the borough’s adult social care services for their dedication and said that the ‘Outstanding’ rating represents “a strong foundation on which to keep improving” local care services.
This is a fantastic achievement, and we are immensely proud to be the first council to receive an ‘outstanding’ rating under the CQC’s new assessment. This reflects the exceptional work of our adult social care staff, who go above and beyond every day to support our most vulnerable residents to live healthy, active, and independent lives.
Receiving this rating at a time of unprecedented demand and financial pressure makes it all the more remarkable. As such, we know that our work does not stop here. We see this as a strong foundation on which to keep improving.
We remain ambitious to continue providing the best possible care for our residents, while breaking down barriers and inequalities that will help ensure that everyone in Camden can live well in a community that truly cares.
This ‘outstanding’ rating is a testament to the dedication, compassion, and expertise of our adult social care staff. I am incredibly proud that their hard work and commitment have been recognised in this way.
The report highlights Camden’s positive and inclusive culture and our willingness to innovate and to test and learn. It’s great to see the report also highlights the strong partnerships that we have built - with providers, health services, and our wider community - to deliver the best possible outcomes for our residents.
This achievement is something we can be truly proud of, and I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to every one of our staff and our partners who made it possible.
We know that there are more improvements we must make, and I want us to build on this success and keep developing our services to ensure that people in Camden can rely on the best possible care and support.
Other findings in the CQC report include:
- Camden residents were consistently supported to have choice and control over their care.
- Carers with diverse needs, including those from LGBTQ+ communities, played an active role in shaping carers’ action plans.
- The Council partnered with local organisations to develop community-based initiatives for addressing social isolation, particularly among young people and home care users.
- Camden’s adult social care vision, co-produced through a citizens’ assembly, reflects its commitment to person-centred, self-directed support and power sharing with people who draw on care and support.
- The Council continues to strengthen its support for people experiencing multiple disadvantages, such as poor mental health, homelessness, and substance misuse.
- Significant efforts are being made to provide early interventions and informal support, ensuring care is tailored to individual residents’ needs at every step.
- Innovative approaches, such as art-based projects, are being used to deepen learning and drive improvement.