Bridgend adult social care praised for leadership but workforce pressures remain

Adult social services in Bridgend have strong leadership and well-developed partnerships, but staffing pressures and inconsistent assessment practices are affecting support for some people, inspectors have found.

Care Inspectorate Wales carried out an assurance check of Bridgend County Borough Council’s adult social services between 13 and 18 July 2026. The review considered how effectively the council was fulfilling its legal duties and delivering care and support to local people.

Inspectors found that the service had a clear strategic direction, effective governance and strong corporate support. Staff were described as professionally committed and supported by accessible leaders, while a well-understood strengths-based model encouraged teams to focus on people’s abilities, relationships and personal outcomes.

Partnership working was identified as a significant strength. Co-located multidisciplinary teams and established agreements between organisations were helping professionals deliver coordinated support to people with complex needs.

The council’s Early Intervention and Prevention Hub, alongside community-based preventative services, was also credited with helping to identify needs sooner and reduce reliance on longer-term statutory support.

Safeguarding practice was viewed positively, with all staff responding to the inspectorate’s survey agreeing that people were protected from abuse and neglect. Inspectors highlighted the contribution of the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub and dedicated work addressing specific risks.

However, workforce turnover, sickness absence and wider staffing pressures were found to be affecting employee wellbeing and continuity of care. The council has been asked to maintain its focus on workforce planning and resilience.

Inspectors also identified inconsistencies in the quality of assessments and reviews, recommending clearer minimum standards and stronger oversight of practice.

Support for unpaid carers requires further improvement. Some carers experienced delays in reviews, inconsistent access to assessments and difficulties obtaining respite. The council must ensure carers are routinely offered assessments in accordance with its statutory responsibilities.

There was also variation in how mental capacity and best-interest decisions were made and recorded, including the oversight of restrictions that may amount to a deprivation of liberty. Inspectors called for stronger legal understanding and senior scrutiny in this area.

Bridgend County Borough Council has been asked to consider the findings and take appropriate action. Care Inspectorate Wales also expects examples of effective practice identified during the review to be shared with other Welsh local authorities.

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