The case studies under this theme explore how local authorities are improving oversight, risk management and quality assurance, with the aim of improving financial management and the experience of people who draw on adult and children’s social care.
In a time of low public trust in institutions and services, it is more important than ever for public bodies to demonstrate they are achieving value for money through robust governance and assurance. Internal controls, assurance arrangements and proper scrutiny are essential to ensuring that decisions taken serve the needs and interests of local communities. As CIPFA’s Financial Resilience Index shows, councils in England are spending around 80% of NRE on social care for adults and children. Such significant investment demands transparency and clear lines of accountability.
Stockport Council: getting governance right – developing a positive and transparent assurance culture to drive performance and improve experiences for Stockport residents
Stockport Council strengthened its adult social care governance to improve financial oversight and accountability. The council introduced new risk management protocols, embedded monthly assurance reporting, clarified leadership responsibilities and deepened collaboration between operational and finance teams. These changes led to improved performance monitoring, greater consistency in decision making and a more confident and engaged workforce. The new approach has helped create a culture of shared ownership, earlier problem solving and more effective use of resources.
Croydon Council: monitoring benefit realisation in an adult social care transformation programme
Croydon Council’s case study describes how the council developed a benefits realisation model with a delivery partner that gave both partners assurance that outcomes were improving and financial efficiencies were on track. Through confidence factors, risk sharing and strong governance, Croydon has achieved £3.9m indicative savings, with a target savings value of £15m.
