The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated Cornwall adult social care services as good following its recent inspection.The CQC visited Cornwall Council last year, under their new responsibility to assess how local authorities meet their duties under part 1 of the Care Act (2014).Overall, it recognised that services provide a good standard of care, with strong leadership and system-wide partnership working.One of the areas praised is around how people who use services are helping to shape how care is designed and delivered....It highlights the council’s work with Citizen Checkers, who use the 7 keys to citizenship model to make sure care services provide people with support to live a full life.Find out more about Citizen CheckersCornwall Council Cabinet Lead for Adult Social Care and Health Partnerships Jim McKenna said:“I’m very pleased with this rating, which recognises the hard work of staff, voluntary organisations and people with lived experience who have all contributed to the many improvements that have been made in our journey to make sure people in Cornwall receive a good standard of care.”...“It feels really special, and fitting that CQC recognised the work that people with lived experience have done to support our services here in Cornwall, recognising the very valuable contribution Citizen Checkers have made when checking the quality of care and support services in Cornwall, and also the wonderful work of those who are part of our Co-production board, who meet regularly to be part of our service design.

https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/council-news/health-wellbeing-and-social-care/cornwall-s-adult-social-care-services-are-delivering-a-good-standard-of-care-for-residents/

Last updated: 29/05/2026 08:53:05

A strategy designed to strengthen Cornwall's independent adult social care sector has been nationally recognised as an example of good practice, as Cornwall celebrates Good Care Month.Cornwall’s adult social care independent sector workforce strategy, commissioned by Cornwall Council and developed by Manchester Metropolitan University, has been highlighted by Skills for Care and the Local Government Association as an exemplar approach to supporting and developing the care workforce.The strategy was created to address the challenges facing Cornwall's independent adult social care sector and help ensure local people can continue to access high-quality care and support.Backed by £350,000 funding from the Better Care Fund in 2025/26, it focuses on eight priority areas; recruitment, retention, training and career progression, health and wellbeing, equality, diversity and inclusion, digital skills, workforce planning and national lobbying.Cornwall Council Cabinet Lead for Adult Social Care and...The findings are now informing the development of a young care worker network, recruitment resources and targeted campaigns aimed at attracting more young people into care careers.Strengthening digital skills and readiness across the sector, including a new Digital Skills and Technology Enabled Care Readiness Assessment being undertaken by Plymouth University.Cllr McKenna added:"Good Care Month is an opportunity to celebrate the incredible people working across Cornwall's adult social care sector and to recognise the difference they make to people's lives....We know the challenges facing the sector are significant, particularly in Cornwall where our ageing population, rural communities and growing demand for care services create additional pressures."

https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/council-news/health-wellbeing-and-social-care/cornwalls-adult-social-care-workforce-strategy-recognised-nationally-during-good-care-month/

Last updated: 07/07/2026 14:25:42

Cornwall Council’s Cabinet Lead for Adult Social Care and Health Partnerships, has written an open letter to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, expressing his deep concern over the proposed cessation of Healthwatch.This is the second letter written by Cllr Jim McKenna in response to last year’s Government announcement of plans to abolish Healthwatch in its current form.The letter, which is also endorsed and signed by North Cornwall MP Ben Maguire, reinforces the original plea, which now takes into consideration recent, authoritative research published by The King’s Fund in March 2026, The future of patient voice: learning from the Healthwatch model.Cllr McKenna wrote:“This objective and independent report provides the most comprehensive and evidence based assessment to date of the contribution Healthwatch has made since its establishment in 2013, and I am confident it is being actively considered by the Department.”Cllr McKenna goes on to highlight the absolute importance...The review looked at how several organisations gather people’s views about health and care, including Healthwatch England and local Healthwatch services.Government went on to accept all of the Review’s recommendations, one of which states that local responsibilities for patient voice would be split between those in charge of the local NHS budget and who plan services.Cllr McKenna writes;“Fragmenting this function across multiple organisations risks losing both coherence and impact and broader insight to inform policy discussions.”...Highlighting the explicit risk identified by The King’s Fund evidence that “transferring patient voice functions “in house” carries a substantial risk of weakening, rather than strengthening, accountability.”The letter concludes with a call for further discussions between the Council and the Secretary of State to ‘adjust course’, stating plans to seek the support of Cornwall’s MP’s“to make the case for the strengthening of the functions rather than dismantling.”Read the letter in full

https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/council-news/health-wellbeing-and-social-care/cabinet-lead-for-adult-social-care-and-health-partnerships-expresses-serious-concerns-over-abolition-of-healthwatch/

Last updated: 13/08/2026 12:57:42

Health, wellbeing and social care news

https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/council-news/health-wellbeing-and-social-care/

Last updated: 06/10/2026 10:42:03

It is run by the British Association of Social Workers (BASW), the UK’s largest professional body for social work....Cornwall Council Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health Partnerships, Cllr Jim McKenna said: “I’d like to pass on my congratulations to Adina and Annette...."Our teams here in Cornwall do a tremendous job to make life better for our residents, making sure they have care and support that allows them to lead a good life.

https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/council-news/health-wellbeing-and-social-care/cornwall-social-workers-recognised-in-basw-s-amazing-social-worker-awards/

Last updated: 17/03/2026 11:17:23

A new economic report has found that adult social care contributes almost £1 billion to Cornwall's economy each year, supports more than 22,000 jobs and delivers significant benefits to local communities.The report by Alma Economics, commissioned by Cornwall Council, highlights the economic and social value of the adult social care sector, revealing that it contributes approximately £991 million in economic value and supports around 22,700 full-time equivalent jobs across Cornwall, either directly employed within the sector or the supply of goods and services.Beyond its direct contribution, the sector supports thousands more jobs through local businesses and supply chains, from training providers and transport services to equipment suppliers and community organisations.Cornwall Council Cabinet Lead for Adult Social Care and Health Partnerships, Cllr Jim McKenna said: “The findings underline the sector's importance, not only as a vital public service but also as a major source of employment...“We now have some compelling evidence to help us in lobbying central government to invest more in adult social care.”The report found that for every £1 invested in adult social care, £2.37 of social and economic value is generated, slightly above the national average....This includes benefits such as improved wellbeing for people receiving care, and support for families and unpaid carers.The sector offers a broad range of career pathways, including residential care, domiciliary care, specialist support, management, training and leadership roles.

https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/council-news/health-wellbeing-and-social-care/care-sector-delivers-nearly-1-billion-to-cornwalls-economy-and-offers-growing-career-opportunities/

Last updated: 20/07/2026 09:24:29

An innovative new package of training has been developed that will help adult social care workers in Cornwall to build confidence, leadership behaviours and practical skills earlier in their careers.The Future Care Leader Programme has been commissioned by Proud to Care Cornwall to support care workers who are at the beginning of their leadership journey.The programme aims to build the next generation of care leaders and create a clear progression pathway to Registered Manager roles. ...Cornwall Council Cabinet Lead for Adult Social Care and Health Partnerships, Cllr Jim McKenna said:“Strong leadership is one of the biggest factors influencing care workers’ wellbeing, retention, quality of care and organisational performance....“The programme forms part of Cornwall's care workforce strategy which aims to support people to experience good work and deliver excellent social care, making sure they are recognised and valued for their contribution within the health and care sector.

https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/council-news/health-wellbeing-and-social-care/first-of-its-kind-training-package-will-give-care-workers-a-boost-towards-promotion/

Last updated: 02/09/2026 08:50:09

Over 1200 nominations have been received for this year’s Proud to Care Cornwall awards, with actor and comedian Sally Phillips confirmed to be co-presenting the awards ceremony.Within the period of 5 weeks starting in May this year, over 1200 nominations were submitted, recognising paid care workers in over 150 care settings, proving that excellence in the profession is widely seen and recognised.Cornwall Council Cabinet Lead for Adult Social Care and Health Partnerships, Cllr Jim McKenna said:“We have been overwhelmed by the amount of nominations we’ve received and it is a true testament to the quality of care people receive in Cornwall....“The hard part of short listing down to three in each category has now begun and I’m looking forward to the event next month, planned to recognise and reward the sector for their vital contribution.”Following last year’s surprise extra special guest and presenter, actor Warwick Davis, this year Sally Phillips, English actor, writer, comedian, producer and director will be welcomed to Cornwall to present the ceremony and hand out the awards.Sally, well-known for her part as Shazzer in The Bridget Jones movies and many other films and TV series’, has been a long-time supporter of the care sector.She has three neurodivergent children....with director Clare Richards which won the Radio Times Readers Award and Sanford St Martin award for the Best single documentary.She is proud to be a joint patron of the Down syndrome Association with her son Olly, as well as patron of The Brentford Penguins, Brentford FC’s Down Syndrome Team and Josephine and Jack, a charity that provides sex and relationship advice and education to adults with learning disabilities.Cllr McKenna added:“We’re very pleased that Sally, who has helped to advocate for adults with learning disabilities for many years, as well as raise awareness of the challenges they face, has agreed to attend this year’s event,“It is of vital importance for Cornwall, and the sector as a whole that we continue to support and shine a light on the care sector, not only for the value they provide to residents, but also in recognition of the wider economic value of care.

https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/council-news/health-wellbeing-and-social-care/record-number-of-nominations-and-celebrity-announced-for-care-awards/

Last updated: 13/08/2026 13:04:46

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Proud to Care awards in Cornwall and residents are being encouraged to nominate a care worker who provides excellent care and support.This is the third year running that the awards will take place, following the two previous years that have successfully recognised and celebrated those providing care to adults in Cornwall.The event will take place in September, at Tregenna Castle in St Ives....Nominees will be shortlisted in each category with those selected invited to attend the event with their colleagues.Cornwall Council Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health Partnerships, Jim McKenna said: “Each year, we are truly moved by the heartfelt nominations we receive from colleagues and managers, as well as those who receive care and their families....They remind us just how many unsung heroes are making a real difference every day.”Watch the video showing last year’s winnersThere are 11 different award categories this year.

https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/council-news/health-wellbeing-and-social-care/nominations-now-open-for-this-year-s-proud-to-care-cornwall-awards/

Last updated: 28/05/2026 13:12:40

People across Cornwall are being encouraged to “tell one person” about Shared Lives as part of Shared Lives Week.Shared Lives Week 2026 runs from 15 until 21 June and is led by Shared Lives Plus....This year’s theme is “Shout about Shared Lives – care worth talking about.”Shared Lives carers provide short breaks or long-term support for people with learning disabilities, autism, mental health needs, young people leaving care and older people living with dementia.Every arrangement is built around relationships and matching people based on shared interests, values and lifestyles....People can get to know one another gradually before moving in with their carer or enjoying a break.Caroline Colwill became a Shared Lives carer in 2023 and supports Gabrielle in her Camborne home, people also visit her home for short-breaks.

https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/council-news/health-wellbeing-and-social-care/spread-the-word-about-being-a-shared-lives-carer-this-shared-lives-week/

Last updated: 19/06/2026 07:26:03