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Care Quality Commission Assessment

Care Quality Commission – Adult Social Care Assessment for Torbay Council.

Torbay rated as ‘Good’ by Care Quality Commission (CQC)

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated Torbay’s Adult Social Care services as ‘Good’ following an inspection in September 2025, reflecting strong performance in co-production, integration, and person-centred care.

It was the first time all Adult Social Care services in Torbay – which are commissioned by Torbay Council and provided by Torbay and South Devon Hospital NHS Foundation Trust as part of the Integrated Care Partnership. had been given a holistic assessment.

In April 2023, CQC was given new powers to inspect and intervene with councils on their social care provision to make sure people get the best quality care and support.

CQC use a four-point rating system - Outstanding, good, requires improvement and inadequate. Torbay has been rated overall as Good.

The inspection covered four main themes:

  • Theme 1: Working with people – looking at assessing needs, Supporting people to live healthier lives, Equity in experiences and outcomes
  • Theme 2: Providing Support – Care provision, integration, and continuity, Partnerships and communities
  • Theme 3: Ensuring Safety – Safe systems, pathways and transitions
  • Theme 4: Leadership and Workforce – Governance, management and sustainability, Learning, improvement and innovation

The CQC report highlights both strengths and areas for improvement. Here are a few of the key findings, and you can read the full report at the link below.

Key strengths

  • Positive experiences and co-production – people and unpaid carers reported universally positive experiences, with carers expressing very high satisfaction.
  • Integrated and collaborative working – our deep integration with health services under a Section 75 agreement since 2005, enabling joined up care and shared resources. Strong partnerships with the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector, embedded at the “front door” and in strategic planning.
  • Strength-based and person-centred practice - Assessments were described as person centred and strength-based, focusing on independence and long-term goals.
  • Positive outcomes:8% of people regained full independence after reablement; 75% returned home without ongoing support.
  • Safeguarding and Safety - Effective safeguarding systems and multi-agency partnerships.
  • Workforce and Sustainability - Positive recruitment and retention, low vacancy rates (4.7% vs national 8.06%), and strong team culture.
  • Governance and Leadership - Recent improvements in visibility and responsiveness of social care leadership under the new Director of Adult Social Services.

Areas for improvement:

  • Waiting Times and Reviews - Significant backlog in care plan reviews: 916 people waiting as of September 2025, with median waits of 190 days.
  • Direct Payments - Low uptake among people with care needs (19.33% vs national 25.48%) due to complicated systems and employer responsibilities.
  • Specialist Provision and Capacity - Gaps in provision for people with complex mental health needs, learning disabilities, and dual diagnosis.
  • Transition Planning - Transition from children’s to adult services not always proactive; some young people missed out on support.
  • Alternatives to Bed Based Care - High proportion of people entering residential care
  • Equity and Inclusion - Inclusion and EDI work was new and not yet embedded.
  • Digital Infrastructure and Data - Outdated and fragmented IT systems undermined data accuracy and slowed practice.

Read the full CQC report

Watch our videos with some of the people who access Adult Social Care services in Torbay

Diane, a Carer’s story - Diane is a carer for her husband who has dementia. She did a dementia course with Healthwatch and talks about the support she has had from Torbay Carers. 

Anthony’s story - Anthony talks about the rehabilitation he has received via SEETEC and now has a job doing security for events. He talks about the 24/7 support he gets from his PA Cherie.

Zac’s story – Autism Ambassador. Zac, who is now one of Torbay's Autism Ambassadors, talks about his journey through the health and social care system and the positive effect it has had on him, and all the support he received.

Cherie’s story – A PA’s perspective. Cherie Tookey who is the Director of Lancelot Support works as a PA to Anthony, who has received support and rehabilitation through SEETEC (see separate video re: Anthony). Cherie talks about the difference this has made to Anthony's life.

Sam’s story – A social work apprentice. Sam Johnson is a community care worker with Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust who is currently studying his social work apprenticeship, he previously worked in private sector for 27 years.

Other useful links