The new chief inspector for adult social care has been described as a "breath of fresh air." Can his optimistic approach be translated to the frontline?
The new(ish) chief inspector for adult social care Chris Badger had an overriding message for the sector when he addressed the recent Care England conference. One that spoke to a sense of pragmatism, not ideology, and of a desire to drive improvement in collaboration with providers, rather than a top down approach.
If the reception among delegates attending the central London conference was anything to go by, this message is being very well received by those at the coalface of providing care. His appointment a few short months ago and the subsequent ushering in of a long demanded reform of the Care Quality Commission’s overarching inspection frameworks feels like the proverbial breath of fresh air for an otherwise struggling sector – in fact Mr Badger was described as such by Care England chair and Majesticare CEO Angela Boxall during her later speech at the event.
But (the inevitable but) there is considerable scepticism over whether the inspection process on the ground will reflect this shift. One provider I chatted to after Mr Badger’s speech wondered how the watchdog will ensure this new culture of openness and pragmatism espoused by its new leader would drill down to inspection teams on the frontline.
As is often the case, this cultural shift among the rank and file involved in the delivery and application of new inspection frameworks is the most difficult nut to crack in an overarching reform process.
For his part, the chief inspector appeared bullish about organisation’s capacity to train and develop inspection teams in preparation to deliver the reforms in practice. Speaking to me after his speech, he said “changing culture clearly takes time” but that he was confident that a “consistent” approach to “methodically working through” removing barriers so they can take an approach that focuses on improvement and “promoting and cherishing good”.
“There’s no shortcut to that. We just need to be determined,” he added.
I’m sure his determination will be matched by the sector as the new draft framework is piloted over the coming months. At TCHE we’re also keen to promote good and cherish good where we see it so please do get in touch with your stories of improvement and best practice on the frontline – especially where this has been recognised by the watchdog.
You can see more of the conversation I had with Chris focusing on dementia in the latest issue of TCHE and here. If you haven’t subscribed yet – don’t delay. It’s free, and well worth the few minutes it takes to register your details to be part of the improvement conversation. Like Chris said to me, Care Home Environments really matter. I couldn’t agree more.
