'We have a culture where good people can do great things' – Deputy Leader reacts to 'outstanding' adult social care rating

The Deputy Leader of Wigan Council has spoken of his pride in the borough’s adult social care sector following a glowing assessment.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) this week published its report of the borough’s services with an ‘outstanding’ rating, the highest in the country.

Inspectors praised the way staff build relationships, listen deeply and work alongside residents, families and communities to help people live with independence, dignity and confidence.

Councillor Keith Cunliffe, cabinet portfolio holder for health and adult social care, said the report reflects a journey of more than a decade’s work to provide services underpinned by compassion.

He said: “Every day our staff bring warmth, skill and heart to difficult situations, and they do it with a belief that people deserve to be seen, heard and supported as individuals.

“We work with NHS partners, local care providers, organisations, businesses, communities, the voluntary sector; this report reflects all the work over many years, it’s a great achievement. This is for all of them.”

The CQC highlighted how a ‘strong, person-centred culture’, effective partnership working and a culture of ‘embracing new ways of working’ had helped tackle local challenges.

There were multiple examples where staff used their initiative and were encouraged to ‘take risks and try new ways of working’, said Chris Badger, the CQC’s chief inspector for adult social care and integrated care.

Councillor Cunliffe said: “Our whole approach has been about innovation and allowing people the time, space and permission to make a difference.

“We’ve been able to set a culture and an environment where good people can do great things. Our culture allows people to speak up, share ideas and keep improving — and that spirit is what makes the real difference to residents’ lives.”

Following their visit to the borough in December 2025, the assessment team said residents had access to a range of services which consistently prevented and reduced their future need for long term care or support.

Efforts to raise the profile of unpaid carers and the support available had been effective, the report added.

And the local authority had also set up a network of people with lived experience who helped quality assessments and could report and concerns to authority staff.

Councillor Cunliffe said: “That’s so important. We are proud of this result, but we know there are areas for improvement, and we embrace that challenge in the right way.

“We’ll build on this and continue to embed our community-led approach and keep striving for even better outcomes for our residents.”

The CQC assessment looks at nine areas around four themes; working with people, providing support, ensuring safety in the system and leadership.

The CQC’s Chris Badger added: “Overall, Wigan Council should be extremely proud of this assessment and the outstanding care they’re providing to people.

“Other local authorities should look at this report to see if there’s anything they can learn.”

Read the full assessment report on the CQC website (external link).