Equity in adult social care: public sector duties, regulatory requirements and good practice

Webinar

10:30 – 12:00 | Thursday, 24 September 2026

What should councils do to ensure that they understand and meet the social care needs of all their residents, with nobody left behind? This webinar is organised jointly by ADASS, CQC and the Equality and Human Rights Commission. It demonstrates a shared commitment to equity, equality, human rights, fairness, dignity and inclusion. These are standards enshrined in legislation and set out in regulation. They are also the values that brought many of us into adult social care and which continue to drive our passion for improvement.

This work is particularly important now as a changing political landscape brings greater challenge and scrutiny of established approaches to equality, diversity and inclusion, including within local government. At a time when some councils may be reconsidering their approach, it is vital that adult social care leaders are clear about the duties that remain in law and regulation, what they mean in practice, and why protecting equality and human rights is fundamental to good social care.

The webinar will discuss how councils’ Public Sector Equality Duties (PSEDs) affect adult social care. Is the obligation to publish equality information each year being met in full, and what impact is this having on transparency and accountability? EHRC will draw on its recent experience, including insights from legal challenges, to highlight how councils’ approaches to their PSEDs can underpin or weaken the defensibility of commissioning decisions.

Findings from CQC’s initial baselining of local authorities provide a uniquely comprehensive picture of how councils are approaching equity in experience and outcomes today. CQC found strong intent around equity, diversity and inclusion within local authorities, but weaker evidence of strategic action or measurable impact. CQC will share insights about how councils are tackling inequalities including what is working well and leading to improved outcomes for people.

ADASS members will bring case studies to the discussion. Covering distinctly different populations, and demonstrating different strategies, these presentations will bring local equity and equalities journeys to life. There will be time for candid discussions about the cultural and technical barriers that can make this work challenging, and the transformative value of getting it right.

We hope you can join us.

Phil Holmes, ADASS President

Chris Badger, Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care and Integrated Care, CQC

Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson, Chair, Equality and Human Rights Commission