The People Overview and Scrutiny Committee were scheduled to meet to discuss the Care Quality Commission (CQC) update report, the Local Youth Transformation Pilot, and a quarterly performance monitoring report. Councillors were also expected to review the committee's work programme.

CQC Update Report

The committee was scheduled to review the outcome of the CQC Assurance Assessment. The report in the meeting pack noted that Shropshire Council had been rated 'Good' overall.

The report stated that the CQC assessment took place between 4 and 6 June 2024, and that prior to this, the council submitted 234 documents and provided case tracking samples. During the assessment, over 160 individuals participated.

The report also listed key strengths that were identified:

• Positive user experiences, particularly via First Point of Contact Centre.
• Effective use of assistive technology and strong reablement outcomes.
• No waiting times for key services including safeguarding and hospital discharge.
• Innovative rural service models (e.g. Technology Enabled Care ¹, 2CiC ²) and virtual care delivery.
• Active co-production and feedback mechanisms.

Areas for improvement were also listed in the report:

• Timeliness: Delays in assessments and reviews, particularly for sensory needs and occupational therapy.
• Accessibility: Online information and advice not consistently accessible.
• Support for Carers: Mixed feedback on adequacy and suitability of support.
• Transitions: Inconsistencies in service transitions, especially for young people.
• Equity: Gaps in data and accessibility for protected groups.
• Direct Payments: Uptake below national average; recruitment challenges in rural areas.
• Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS): Significant delays in lower-risk assessments.
• Co-Production: Need for improved impact visibility and strategic embedding.
• Learning from Complaints: Higher than average uphold rate; need for better integration of learning.

The report stated that Shropshire Council had developed a Towards Outstanding Action Plan (TOAP) , aligning with broader transformation goals. Key actions included:

• Annual self-assessment updates and quarterly highlight reporting.
• Integration of learning from other authorities (e.g. Camden, Blackpool).
• Launch of a Co-Production Framework and Remuneration Plan.
• Ongoing operational readiness and performance monitoring.
• Completion of a Post-CQC Learning Log Model.

The report included a recommendation that the People Overview and Scrutiny Committee formally acknowledge the outcome of the CQC Assurance Assessment, commit to continuous improvement as set out in the Towards Outstanding Action Plan, note the specific risks and challenges identified in the report, and support the ongoing development and implementation of robust governance arrangements for monitoring progress against the TOAP.

Local Youth Transformation Pilot

The People Overview and Scrutiny Committee were scheduled to review the Local Youth Transformation Pilot Development Plan.

Quarterly Performance Monitoring Report

The committee was scheduled to scrutinise performance at Quarter 4 and identify areas that may require further investigation.

Work Programme

The committee was scheduled to receive a verbal update on their work programme. A draft work programme included in the report pack listed the Family and Community Hubs and the Blue Badge Process as items for discussion on 10 November 2025. The Ofsted Inspection Outcome/Action Plan was listed as an item for discussion on 14 January 2026.