Richmond ranks best in London for social care, leading in user control, carer inclusion, support access, and quality of life, with top marks for direct payments.
Richmond Council has reaffirmed its position as one of London’s top-performing boroughs for adult social care, with residents reporting high levels of satisfaction with their quality of life and the control they have over their daily routines. The latest Adult Social Care End of Year Performance Report highlights the borough’s continued excellence in delivering person-centred care despite challenges across the sector.
The report assesses Richmond’s performance against the Department of Health and Social Care’s Adult Social Care Outcomes Framework (ASCOF) for 2023/24, comparing it to 31 other London boroughs. The findings show Richmond leading in multiple key indicators, further solidifying its reputation for high-quality care and strong support for both service users and carers.
Richmond ranked as the best-performing borough in London for the proportion of service users who feel they have control over their daily life. The borough also secured the highest ranking for the proportion of carers who feel included in decisions regarding the person they care for and topped the list for carers’ ease of access to support and information. Additionally, Richmond held a joint top position for social care-related quality of life and for the percentage of individuals on self-directed support, including direct payments. It also achieved the second-highest ranking in London for the proportion of service users receiving direct payments to help them maintain independence at home.
Councillor Piers Allen, Chair of the Adult Social Services, Health and Housing Committee, expressed pride in the borough’s accomplishments:
“We are incredibly proud that Richmond upon Thames continues to set the standard for adult social care in London. Supporting our most vulnerable residents to live independently, with dignity and choice, is at the heart of everything we do. While challenges persist across the care sector, we are continuing to make bold strides to improve outcomes. Our commitment to commissioning, supported living, reablement and care technology is already having a tangible impact. Most importantly, feedback from those using our services confirms they are satisfied with their care and quality of life – which is the ultimate measure of success.”
“While challenges persist across the care sector, we are continuing to make bold strides to improve outcomes. Our commitment to commissioning, supported living, reablement and care technology is already having a tangible impact.”
-Piers Allen, Chair of the Adult Social Services
Richmond Council has consistently performed strongly across ASCOF’s performance indicators. The 2023/24 report evaluated 22 indicators grouped into three categories: service user survey, carer survey (conducted biennially), and performance indicators. Richmond ranked in the top two quartiles for 19 of the 22 indicators, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to excellence in social care.
To build on these successes, the council has launched several key initiatives aimed at further enhancing social care provision. Among these is a comprehensive commissioning programme designed to support younger adults with learning disabilities in living independently, including the development of a new site at Duke’s Place. The borough has also placed a stronger emphasis on reablement and care technology, leading to improvements in older adult care home admissions. Additionally, the council continues to collaborate with health and care partners to expand and enhance services, ensuring that all residents receive the support they need.
Councillor Allen emphasised the council’s commitment to continuous improvement: “We will continue to listen to our residents, work with partners, and innovate in our approach to care to ensure Richmond remains a leader in social care delivery. Our priority is to ensure that every person who needs support receives the right care, at the right time, in a way that allows them to maintain their independence and dignity. We are committed to continuously improving our services to meet the evolving needs of our community.”
He also extended his gratitude to the care professionals and volunteers who make Richmond’s success possible: “Thank you to all those working in the care sector across Richmond upon Thames. Your dedication ensures our borough remains a place where people receive the support they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives, for longer.”
Richmond’s strong performance in adult social care not only benefits those in need but also sets a benchmark for other boroughs striving to improve their services. The council’s ongoing investment in person-centred care and innovative support solutions ensures that Richmond remains at the forefront of social care excellence in London.
