The Chief Inspector’s Annual Report for 2022-23 has been published
Inspectors consistently find that most care services provide good and safe care to those who use them, despite the ongoing difficulties the care sector in Wales faces as a result of increasing demand, pressure to recruit and retain staff, and the increase in the cost of living.
This is the conclusion of the Chief Inspector’s Annual Report for 2022/23, published today. This report shows the ongoing impact of many of the issues outlined in the 2021/22 report. It highlights key trends for each of the areas that AGC regulates and inspects, as well as the four cross-cutting issues that require joint action.
- The inspectorate sees many positive practices across Wales that need to be recognised, celebrated and shared.
- The number of people needing care and support has continued to increase, putting unsustainable pressure on social care services. There needs to be a continued focus on investing in prevention and early intervention services for children and adults, and on developing those services. Where possible, duplication should be reduced by working in an integrated way across social care, education, health, housing and third sector services.
- The workforce continues to work tirelessly to improve outcomes for people, but we continue to face a recruitment and retention crisis in social care and childcare and play. We must continue to invest in wages and development opportunities, alongside promoting these rewarding career opportunities.
- There is a lack of suitable placements for looked after children. All partners must work together at regional and national level to ensure that an appropriate range of services is available to meet the needs of these children.
Chief Inspector Gillian Baranski said:
“It is a difficult time for the sectors we regulate and inspect, but again, our inspectors consistently find that most services provide good and safe care to those who use them use.
“In the childcare and play sector, inspectors awarded more than 400 ‘Good’ grades and 98 ‘Excellent’ grades. Most of the services inspected meet or exceed the national minimum standards.
“It is important that we continue to celebrate the great work that is done in care services across Wales every day.”
The Chief Inspector went on to say:
“It is a privilege to be the Chief Inspector of an organization that makes a difference to the lives of so many people across Wales.”
He praised the “exceptional commitment and dedication of all those working in social care and childcare and play services”, and encouraged ‘all services to continually improve and aim for excellence.’
