Service quality improvements in social care

Service quality improvements in social care

Service quality improvements in social care

A new report from the UK Social Services Inspectorate (SSI) "Quality on the way – a report of an inspection of service quality improvements in social care" says that inspectors are "cautiously optimistic". From November 1999 to August 2000 the inspection division inspected ten English councils to evaluate the range and effectiveness of quality initiatives in areas related to social care. The standards used in the inspection were drawn up by a design group comprising representatives from the Department of Health, local government and the academic world. The standards were applicable to a wide range of quality initiatives to test improvements in outcomes for service users and carers.

Denise Platt, Chief Inspector, SSI, said:

When councils make a concerted effort to address the quality of their services, it results in significant improvement in performance.

Findings from the report include:

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  All councils had made serious attempts to improve information and consultation with the people using the services.

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  The councils which had improved the most had adopted approaches linked to Best value, Quality Protects and performance assessment.

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  Small improvements in the reliability of information systems could result in dramatic quality improvements.

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  The use of independently validated quality systems, such as Investors in People and Charter Marks, had made a significant difference.

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  Corporate commitment plays a particularly important role in improving the quality of social care services along with engaging other council departments and agencies effectively in the development of services provided.

For further information: "Quality on the Way" can be found at the Web site: www.doh.gov.uk/scglqualityonway.htm