The People Committee of Sutton Council met on 4 December 2025, discussing the positive outcome of the Adult Social Care CQC assessment, which achieved a Good rating. The committee also reviewed the Sutton Youth Justice Plan for 2025-2028, noting significant reductions in reoffending rates and first-time entrants into the youth justice system. Additionally, the committee was briefed on the upcoming Families First Partnership Programme, a government initiative aimed at transforming children's social care through preventative support.

Adult Social Care CQC Assessment, Strategic Plan and Improvement Plan Update

The committee received an update on the Care Quality Commission (CQC) assessment of Adult Social Care, which resulted in a Good rating with a score of 70%. This places Sutton in the top third of local authorities in England and joint top among South West London authorities. Nick Ireland, Strategic Director for People Services, highlighted that the inspection, which commenced in 2024 and concluded in the summer, was a lengthy and detailed process. Sandra Howard, Director of Adult Social Care, expressed pride in the achievement, noting that the rating reflects the council's commitment to equity, inclusivity, and a stable leadership team.

Key strengths identified by the CQC included the council's focus on equity, innovative use of Technology Enabled Care, robust front-door processes for assessments, mature partnerships, and strong governance. Areas for development included improving access to advice and information for residents and carers, further embedding strengths-based practice, enhancing support for carers during assessments, improving information sharing with care providers, and refining communication with families of young people around transition. An updated improvement plan, detailed in Appendix B, addresses these areas.

Councillor Tom Drummond raised concerns about the assessment score of 2 for Assessing Needs, questioning whether shortfalls were known in advance. Stephen Day, Adult Social Care CQC Assurance and Service Development Lead, confirmed that these were identified in the self-assessment and that improvements were already being put in place. He explained that Assessing Needs is a common area for improvement nationally due to high demand and the complexity of what falls under this domain. Councillor Drummond also inquired about potential breaches of the Care Act, to which the short answer was not.

Councillor Geoff Levinson commended the team on the Good rating and asked about staff support during the intensive assessment period. Sandra Howard explained that staff were involved from the beginning and were proud to showcase their work. Councillor Issa asked about the purpose of the CQC assessment, clarifying that it relates to statutory responsibilities under the Care Act, with inadequate ratings leading to intervention by the Secretary of State.

Concerns were raised about respite care, with Councillor Issa asking about prior knowledge of concerns and future availability. Anna, Director of Commissioning, confirmed that respite care was known as an area for improvement and that the council is working with the Carer Centre to develop new options. Councillor Steers highlighted the achievement of a Good rating despite reduced government funding and increased demand, acknowledging the council's ability to do more with less.

Councillor Satterhaven inquired about the impact of the CQC assessment on departmental productivity and the consideration of AI for improving assessments. Nick Ireland confirmed the pilot of Magic Notes, an AI transcription service, which is projected to save practitioners up to eight hours per week.

Councillor Dwyer asked about SMART objectives for areas of development, particularly regarding advice and information for carers and the annual nature of carers' assessments. Sam, who works in adult social care, confirmed that carers' assessments are annual and that the council is working with the Carers' Centre to improve the offer, with clear KPIs and outcomes. Regarding Disability Related Expenses (DRE), Sam explained that it's dependent on individual needs and cannot be provided by other organisations, and that assessments are being coordinated with written policies and published information.

Councillor Beck acknowledged the achievement of a Good rating despite reduced funding and increased demand, thanking officers for doing more with less. Councillor Satterhaven asked about the impact of the CQC process on departmental productivity and the consideration of AI for assessments. Nick Ireland confirmed the pilot of Magic Notes AI transcription service, which is expected to save practitioners up to eight hours per week.

Councillor James reiterated the intensity of the 11-month inspection process and thanked everyone involved. Stephen Day clarified that annual visits from the CQC would not be immediate, as they need to re-inspect pilot authorities first. The committee noted the outcome of the CQC assessment and the update on the improvement plan.

Sutton Youth Justice Plan 2025-2028

Angela Killalea, Head of Service for Integrated Support and Safer Communities, presented the Sutton Youth Justice Plan 2025-2028. The plan outlines strategies to prevent children from entering the youth justice system and reduce reoffending. A key achievement highlighted was a significant reduction in the reoffending rate, from an average of 33-43% in previous years to 14.7% in 2022-23. The plan also noted a reduction in first-time entrants to the lowest number in a decade.

Challenges were discussed, including the impact of changes to seconded staff from probation and the Metropolitan Police, and issues with data accuracy for new Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Strategic priorities for the next three years include improving educational and vocational outcomes, strengthening prevention and diversionary offers, enhancing victim support through restorative justice, addressing disproportionality, and safeguarding children at risk of criminal exploitation.

Councillor Monday asked about retaining the reduced reoffending rate amidst external challenges and the impact of the schools team on exclusions. Angela Killalea confirmed the schools team's effectiveness and the positive impact on exclusion figures. She expressed confidence in retaining the reduced reoffending rate, provided grant-funded programmes continue.

Councillor Pascoe inquired about the dual registration of excluded school children at Lyons College and the impact on the 16-18 cohort. Angela Killalea explained the functional skills program for those without basic qualifications and the work with education workers and speech and language therapists to support college placements. She also addressed concerns about the probation service and the impact of the Integrated Care Board (ICB) changes.

Councillor Steers raised concerns about workforce diversity and turnover within the Youth Justice Service. Angela Killalea acknowledged the challenge of recruiting experienced youth justice social workers and the current female-dominated team, with plans to recruit male role models and improve ethnic diversity. She also explained the difference between white children receiving more cautions and non-white ethnicity children receiving more convictions, attributing it to the seriousness of offences.

Councillor Drummond questioned the value of diversionary schemes and the apparent contradiction in reduced police diversionary outcomes alongside a decrease in first-time entrants. Angela Killalea clarified that the decrease in first-time entrants is due to fewer children going through the court system, while diversionary outcomes are influenced by the number of children coming to police notice. She also addressed concerns about data accuracy, acknowledging issues with new KPIs and the need for caution when interpreting that data.

Councillor Beck provided positive feedback on observed sessions, including a cooking and a boxing session, highlighting the holistic approach to health and well-being. He also inquired about the annual nature of events bringing together youth board members and children. Angela Killalea confirmed this would be an annual event to ensure youth voices influence service development.

Families First Partnership Programme

Jackie McCarthy, Interim Director for Children's Social Care and Safeguarding, presented the Families First Partnership Programme. This government-led initiative, underpinned by the Children and Families Bill, aims to transform family support by focusing on preventative measures. Key deliverables include unifying targeted early help with child in need services to create a Family Help service, developing multi-agency child protection teams, and strengthening family-led decision-making. Sutton is considered to be ahead of the game in some areas due to existing practices like family group conferencing and restorative practice.

Councillor Butte asked about the impact of the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill on out-of-borough school places like Clock House and maintaining school registers. Jonathan, an officer, explained that local areas have responsibilities for families within their remit, and schools would be notified with family consent, especially in safeguarding matters. He highlighted Sutton's existing Children's First Contact Service as a strength.

Councillor Drummond inquired about the guidance from the Department for Education (DfE) and the timeline for updating the Mosaic case management system. Jackie McCarthy confirmed an avalanche of guidance and that the Access Group is working with the DfE on the case management system, with potential for parallel working to ensure continuity.

Councillor Pascoe raised concerns about the introduction of a unique child identifying number, its implications, and the potential for big brother surveillance. Jackie McCarthy clarified that this is still a bill and not yet law, and that the council is awaiting further guidance. Councillor Steers expressed concerns about the impact of further changes on staff, the potential increase in demand without additional funding, and the complexity of the new model. Jackie McCarthy assured that staff are already being prepared due to previous transformations and that changes are being implemented through consultation.

Sutton Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report 2024-2025

Sandra Howard, Director of Adult Social Care & Safeguarding, presented the Sutton Safeguarding Adults Board (SSAB) Annual Report. The SSAB is a statutory body established by the Care Act 2014, providing strategic oversight to partner agencies to prevent abuse and neglect of adults with care and support needs. The report details the board's activities and achievements against its strategic priorities.

Councillor Qasim Esak asked about concerns regarding the impact of ICB financial constraints on safeguarding. Sandra Howard assured that the board is monitoring the situation closely, and the duty to protect residents remains. Councillor Moira Butt inquired about support for individuals experiencing self-neglect. Sandra Howard explained the establishment of a multi-agency risk board for vulnerable people and closer collaboration with agencies like housing.

Councillor Tom Drummond raised concerns about pressures on safeguarding due to restructuring and financial constraints, questioning the statement of no legal risks. Sandra Howard clarified that there are no current legal risks but acknowledged potential future risks depending on pressures and how the situation unfolds. She confirmed that the ICB has legal responsibilities, and the focus is on the quality and quantity of their delivery.

Councillor Gemma Munday asked if the Families First programme's mention of multi-agency safeguarding arrangements was the main focus of upcoming changes. Gwynn Bassan, Interim Partnerships Manager, clarified that the Families First report referred to children's multi-agency safeguarding, while the SSAB's focus is on adults. Councillor Jane Pascoe asked about the front door for reporting concerns for children and adults, and how the public can access this information. Councillor James suggested this be raised at the Business Development Day.

The committee noted the work of the Safeguarding Adults Board and its priorities for the coming year.

Sutton Local Safeguarding Children Partnership Annual Report 2024-25

Jonathan Williams, Director of Children's Services, presented the Sutton Local Safeguarding Children Partnership (LSCP) Annual Report. The report details the partnership's commitment to safeguarding children and highlights achievements, challenges, and priorities. Councillor James and Councillor Dwyer, who sit on the partnership, noted the significant achievements documented in the report.

Councillor Tom Drummond expressed concern about red flags in the child sexual abuse section of the report, specifically regarding strategy meetings and achieving best evidence. Jonathan Williams explained that child sexual abuse is a national issue with under-reporting, and Sutton is implementing a sexual abuse pathway response based on best practice guidance, with a strategy to be launched in April. He acknowledged that adopting this guidance had taken time.

Councillor Moira Butt inquired about the publicity and use of safeguarding training modules, including fire prevention. Jonathan Williams confirmed the joint development of a fire prevention and safeguarding e-learning module and toolkit, which is being widely advertised and rolled out nationally.

The committee noted the evaluation of the effectiveness of the local arrangements to safeguard children in 2024-25.

The meeting concluded with thanks to all participants and a wish for a happy Christmas. The next meeting is scheduled for February.