Portsmouth City Council Rated ‘Good’ for Adult Social Care

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated Portsmouth City Council’s adult social care services as Good following its assessment of how effectively the authority meets its duties under the Care Act 2014.

The assessment forms part of CQC’s responsibility to evaluate how local authorities work with partners and local communities to ensure adults who need care and support can access services that promote wellbeing, independence and choice.

Inspectors found a strong commitment to person-centred care, with people reporting that assessments were carried out by supportive staff and that they were actively involved in decisions about their care. Many also said they were helped to maintain their independence wherever possible.

The CQC highlighted the council’s understanding of the challenges facing its local population, noting Portsmouth is one of the most deprived local authority areas in England. Inspectors praised initiatives developed in response to local need, including the Portsmouth Mental Health Hub, which was created after residents reported difficulties navigating mental health services. According to the report, 99% of people using the hub said it had a positive impact on their wellbeing.

Inspectors also found evidence of work to improve access to services for people who may experience additional barriers, including people from ethnic minority communities, refugees, asylum seekers and individuals affected by domestic abuse. The report also recognised the authority’s approach to co-production, with people using services helping to shape how services are designed and delivered.

Support for unpaid carers was identified as another area of strength, with carer satisfaction reported to be above the national average.

The assessment also highlighted examples of positive safeguarding practice. In 95% of safeguarding cases where risks were identified, action was taken to reduce or remove those risks. Where adults had identified their desired outcomes, these were fully or partially achieved in 91% of cases.

Inspectors found the council had invested in workforce development through training, specialist learning and career progression opportunities, helping staff develop the skills needed to support Portsmouth’s diverse communities.

However, the CQC identified areas where further improvement is needed. Inspectors found that respite and short-break provision for unpaid carers, particularly in emergency situations, was not always sufficient. The report also noted that a shortage of specialist local services meant some people with highly complex needs were receiving care outside Portsmouth, with a small number placed more than 100 miles from the city.

Overall, the CQC concluded that Portsmouth City Council is delivering good-quality adult social care, while recognising opportunities to strengthen support for carers and improve access to specialist local services.

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