ADASS announces support for Community Equipment Code of Practice Scheme

The Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) have officially endorsed the Community Equipment Code of Practice Scheme, known as CECOPS. The quality framework, already recognised by England’s care regulator the Care Quality Commission (CQC), is a handbook that allows care providers to ensure that equipment used in the care of disabled people is fully compliant with professional safety standards.

Writing to CECOPS to confirm the endorsement, ADASS President Sarah Pickup wrote: “This Code will be widely applicable for councils and our partners, covering commissioning (including joint working and pooled funding arrangements), all service provision (e.g. health and social care organisations, care providers, care homes, special schools, retailers) and clinical and professional teams (e.g. therapists). It covers children and adults and applies to Social Care, NHS and education, as well as third and private sector.

“We believe that this Code will support sector-led improvement work, with its supporting software, and it could assist with providing the qualifying criteria for local E-marketplace providers. In terms of current changes and strategies (e.g. prevention and early intervention), it is very timely. We further feel that working with the Code will enable organisations to address all regulatory and legal requirements through one review of services.

“We note that the Code is already officially supported by and it fits with their Essential Standards. It may provide a platform for joint working, integration and the pooling of funds with other strategic partners. It should make a contribution to the improvement of clinical (and financial) outcomes, and places the service user at the heart of commissioning and provision.”

CECOPS CEO Brian Donnelly responded: “The official endorsement given by ADASS is most welcome. ADASS has instantly recognised the real value the Code will bring to service users and its member’s organisations, and has acknowledged the scope and application of the Code. We are already working with some Local Authorities, and will be contacting others in the coming weeks and months to help them register with CECOPS, so that they can start realising the benefits of the Code immediately.”

CECOPS Chair Sir Bert Massie CBE also commented: “I am pleased and encouraged that ADASS recognises the value of the Code of Practice and the benefits it brings to disabled people’s lives and to the organisations providing services to them. I hope this is the beginning of a long term partnership where, together, we can ensure disabled people everywhere, and of all ages, are in receipt of good quality and safe equipment services. The fact that ADASS officially endorses the Code of Practice, and is encouraging its adoption, is a clear sign of their commitment to ensure service users are at the heart of the equipment service; CECOPS looks forward to working with ADASS in the future.”

Image: ADASS President Sarah Pickup