Care Inspectorate Wales and Healthcare Inspectorate Wales conclude joint assurance check of Neath Port Talbot learning disability services
The inspection, which took place between 9 and 11 June 2026, assessed the local authority's social services and health board's performance in exercising their statutory duties and functions.
We recently completed an assurance check with Healthcare Inspectorate Wales of Neath Port Talbot Community Learning Disability.
Key improvements identified
Support for adults with learning disabilities is delivered by a committed, experienced workforce with a strong emphasis on person-centred practice. Multidisciplinary working is well embedded, with positive professional relationships enabling effective communication and shared decision-making across agencies.
Practitioners support people to express their views using tailored communication approaches, and people describe kind, respectful relationships that build trust. The local authority’s consultant social worker model is a particular strength, providing specialist expertise and visible leadership for complex cases.
Safeguarding practice is well embedded across both organisations, with effective multi-agency working and well-managed Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards processes. The local authority's day opportunities hub (Bespoke) promotes engagement, skills development and independence.
Areas requiring further development
Within the local authority, carers’ assessments were not consistently offered or recorded, care and support plans were not always reviewed in line with statutory requirements, and the application of Mental Capacity Act assessments and best interest decision-making needs to improve.
Both organisations should improve oversight of demand, capacity and waiting lists, and strengthen pathway coordination, particularly at key transition points.
The health board should strengthen oversight of primary care engagement, Annual Health Checks and physical health monitoring, and ensure robust mechanisms are in place to capture and act on lived experience feedback.
Next steps
We expect both organisations to consider these areas and take appropriate action. CIW will monitor progress through ongoing performance review activity and expects the local authority to share positive practice with others across Wales. HIW will monitor health-related improvements via an Improvement Plan with agreed actions, responsible officers and timescales.