Knowsley Council’s Adult Social Care Earns ‘Good’ Rating from CQC

Knowsley Council has received a commendable rating for its Adult Social Care service, achieving a ‘good’ classification from the Care Quality Commission (CQC). This evaluation highlights the positive impact the service has on the lives of residents, particularly in a region marked by significant socioeconomic challenges.

The CQC’s report, published on August 29, 2025, assessed Knowsley Council’s performance across nine critical areas linked to adult social care. Following an inspection conducted in February 2025, the CQC found that the council’s service met its responsibilities effectively, rating it as ‘good’ in all inspected categories.

Positive Feedback and Commitment to Improvement

Cllr Del Arnall, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, expressed his delight at the inspection’s outcome. He stated, “I am absolutely delighted with the outcome of our inspection and the positive endorsement we have received for our work supporting some of our most vulnerable residents.” Cllr Arnall commended the dedication of the staff, noting their commitment to going above and beyond for those in need.

Knowsley, with a population of approximately 159,243, faces considerable challenges, including being ranked as the third most deprived council in England. Despite these obstacles, the CQC’s findings underscore the council’s ability to deliver quality care. The inspectors observed an open culture within the organization, where leaders actively sought feedback to drive improvements.

Innovative Services Supporting Residents

The CQC highlighted several strengths in Knowsley’s adult social care services, particularly in safeguarding young individuals transitioning from children’s services to adult support. Inspectors noted that these young people received necessary assistance with minimal disruption during this critical period.

One innovative approach implemented by Knowsley Council is a medication reminder service, which currently supports 166 individuals through daily video calls with trained pharmacists. This initiative has proven effective in promoting independence and safety while reducing the need for additional carer services, ultimately aiding in the prevention of hospital readmissions and minimizing medication errors.

James Bullion, CQC’s Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care, praised the authority’s commitment to addressing inequalities, particularly in light of the high levels of deprivation in the area. He noted, “Senior leaders were taking action to help people overcome the challenges they faced to help them build happier, healthier and safer lives.” Initiatives such as appointing equality and diversity leads and improving related policies demonstrate this commitment.

Additionally, the CQC found that unpaid carers were receiving tailored support, which significantly enhanced their quality of life. This support included meaningful activities, trips abroad, and funding for essential items like mattresses. The provision of weekend respite care also plays a crucial role, especially given that Knowsley has the highest percentage of individuals in England providing over 50 hours of unpaid care each week.

The CQC also noted the effectiveness of the ‘home first’ approach, where care is prioritized at home. This strategy has led to an impressive 95% of individuals being able to return home after hospital discharge, which supports their independence and well-being.

Knowsley Council’s Adult Social Care service stands as a testament to the positive changes that can occur in community care, even within challenging environments. The recognition from the CQC not only validates the hard work of the staff but also serves to encourage continuous improvement in delivering essential services to the borough’s residents.