Waltham Forest Council says it will focus its efforts on piloting new AI tools – such as the automatic note-taking service Magic Notes – to cut delays and will redesign its safeguarding protocols, reports Sebastian Mann, Local Democracy Reporter

Waltham Forest Council says it will improve its social care services following an independent inspection.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) branded the adults’ service ‘good’ – the second highest rating of four – in November.

The north-east London authority was praised for its inclusive approach but inspectors raised concerns with the delays unpaid carers and patients waiting for occupational therapy experienced.

Most people in Waltham Forest said they had positive experiences of adult social care, with many feeling respected, involved in decisions, and supported in culturally sensitive ways.

However, the watchdog also warned the council inconsistently used strengths-based approaches, staff training was limited, and the poor monitoring of people placed out of the area meant some did not receive timely support.

In a recently published draft action plan, the council says it will focus its efforts on piloting new AI tools – such as the automatic note-taking service Magic Notes – to cut delays and will redesign its safeguarding protocols.

In order to strengthen the new approaches, the council says it is developing new mandatory training sessions – based around strengths based approaches, carers’ support and advocacy – and will introduce quarterly thematic reviews.

The main changes are expected to be in place by the end of June this year.

The longest process will be an outreach programme for “seldom-heard/marginalised individuals and communities,” which is expected to take until the end of 2026, and the development of bespoke training for managers on the same timescale.

Waltham Forest overall scraped its ‘good’ rating, scoring 64 out of 100. A rating of 61 or below would see it moved down a grade to ‘requires improvement,’ the second lowest.

At the time, council leader Grace Williams said she welcomed the overall positive assessment but the town hall would not be “complacent” in improving.

The CQC is separate from the NHS and UK government, functioning as an independent regulator of health and social care in the country.

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