Islington Council has again retained its two star rating for Adult Social Services following this year's inspection by social care watchdog, the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI). Councils' adult social services departments are graded by CSCI on a scale of zero to three stars using a series of indicators.
The star rating is a summary of the watchdog's independent judgements of social care performance for all councils' adult social services departments.
Thirteen of Islington's Adult Social Services' performance indicators, used by CSCI to measure performance, have improved since last year with 15 rated as 'very good' or 'good' compared to other councils.
Once again Islington has proved its social services are serving 'most' adults well, and continues to show a 'promising' ability for future improvements. Since the ratings were introduced in 2002, Islington has consistently been a good service and scored two stars.
CSCI particularly praised Adult Social Services for its excellent and good services, which help older people and those with mental and physical disabilities to live at home independently. This includes the time taken to make assessments and the speed at which equipment like stair lifts or hoists are provided.
Cllr John Gilbert, Executive Member of Health and Social Care, said: "This is a pleasing result. It's independent endorsement showing Islington's tax payers are getting value for money while service users get a good and well run service. All the same, we will continue building on our strengths and striving for further improvements.
"We have been judged as excellent for helping people to live independently at home as an alternative to putting them into residential care. CSCI also acknowledged we are good at supporting people with physical disabilities to live independently at home too. We offer direct payments to people so they have more control and choice in their lives and service users and carers are regularly consulted and have a say about services."
Among other things, the report noted that there was 'acceptable' and 'fair' progress in implementing the recommendations from last year's inspection.
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Page Last Updated: 29 July 2008