Richmond among high-performing boroughs for adult social care, CQC report confirms

Richmond is among the country’s high-performing councils for adult social care after the Care Quality Commission (CQC) rated the borough ‘Good’ across all areas, highlighting outcomes that outperform national averages.

The independent regulator praised the council’s people-centred approach, strong partnerships and focus on helping residents live independently for longer.

Councillor Piers Allen, Lead Member for Adult Social Care, Health and Public Health and Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board, said: "This recognition reflects the commitment of those who work tirelessly – our teams, partners, and community – to support residents accessing adult social care.

"We know people live healthier and happier lives when they have the right support at the right time. Together, our focus is to help residents live independently, with dignity and choice."

Richmond is already recognised as one of the top-performing boroughs nationally, with high levels of quality of life reported by residents receiving care, strong access to support and a higher proportion of service users receiving direct payments than the England average. 

More than 3,000 residents in Richmond receive adult social care support, while around 14,000 residents provide unpaid care for family members or loved ones.

The CQC report highlights Richmond’s commitment to accessible information, preventative support and well-coordinated care, delivered through strong partnerships across health and community services.

Strengths identified by the CQC include:

• Comprehensive and timely assessments, ensuring care is tailored to people’s needs – including support for unpaid carers
• A strong focus on prevention, helping residents live healthier and more independent lives
• Skilled and compassionate staff, delivering responsive support and addressing urgent needs
• Effective partnership working, with clear governance, accountability, and information 
• Investment in digital technology, helping residents who are digitally excluded access equipment and home adaptations that support independence

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England and assesses how well local authorities provide safe, effective and high-quality care.

Councillor Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council, added: "Even with rising costs and growing demand for adult social care, we remain focused on supporting our most vulnerable residents and ensuring care delivers real results for people – and this result shows exactly that."

The full CQC report can be read online.