Freedom of Information Request – Ref: FOI 277-2025
Thank you for your recent Freedom of Information request. Please find our response below.
You asked:
1. How are the waiting times for the CAAAS shared within the organisation?
Our response:
There are clinical and operational governance structures in place whereby information around our wait times are shared.
You asked:
2. What is the governance process from team to Board to ensure the Board is sighted on this issue?
Our response:
The Operational Lead completes a monthly governance slide deck containing performance indicators, risks and issues. This is fed back on a monthly basis to the Deputy Service Director. This information is fed up to the Service Director who presents to the Directorate Risk Forum for oversight.
The CYPS integrated governance forum also has oversight of risks and issues including the waiting list risk.
System wide partners are aware of the risk through the Mental Health and Neurodevelopmental Programme Board.
You asked:
3. I note your Trust risk register as reported in latest board figures is quite generic.
a. Is the CAAAS waiting list issue on the risk register?
Our response:
Yes, it is on the Risk Register.
You asked
b. What is it scored and what are the mitigating actions?
Our response:
It is a 12 on the Risk Register which equates to a high level of risk.
This risk has shared ownership with Commissioners and external partner agencies.
A Case for Change was presented to GHC CYPS Transformation Board on 3/11/25 for endorsement. This was successful and it was agreed that this will progress to an Options Appraisal which will be presented to the GHC CYPS Transformation Board in January 2026. This Options Appraisal will present options to address the waiting list.
You asked:
4. There was limited mention of CAAAS in any of your 2025 Board Papers (this links to my point above). There was a quote from a NED at the Go and See in May Board papers ‘the waiting list is impacted by several factors including the amalgamation of others’ waiting lists into CAAAS’.
a. What is the material impact?
Our response:
The impact is that there is a significant wait for Autism and ADHD Assessments in Gloucestershire. Currently the wait is approximately 3 years, however this will increase as the volume of referrals received increased in 2022 and has remained high since, meaning demand outstrips our capacity.
You asked
b. What is the nature of the problem?
Our response:
The Under 11s children’s Autism Service (SCAAS) opened in September 2022. The service was established based on prevalence rates of roughly 1.1%. Current figures indicate roughly 3.41% of children age 0 – 17 have an Autism diagnosis. In the summer of 2024 we know that roughly 0.7% of children within Gloucestershire had an Autism diagnosis, this means there is a high undiagnosed population of children within Gloucestershire leading to a high referral rate and demand on the CAAAS team.
You asked:
c. How is the service mitigating the impact?
Our response:
CAAAS sought and received funding for a contract with an external provider. 150 assessments were outsourced in 2024. To date 150 assessments have been outsourced in 2025.
A Case for Change was presented to GHC CYPS Transformation Board on 3/11/25 for endorsement. This was successful and it was agreed that this will progress to an Options Appraisal which will be presented to the GHC CYPS Transformation Board in January 2026. This Options Appraisal will present options to address the waiting list.
CAAAS are piloting Moodle which is an online learning platform. Families can access resources and information on this platform which may be useful for them in supporting their child.
Families who are waiting for an ADHD assessment are able to access a parent group for young people who have/ present with characteristics associated with ADHD. This is provided through the Parent Support Team. Families are also able to access a group providing information and support for children who are anxious – this is also run by the Parent Support Team.
You asked:
5. How are you assuring yourself around actual or potential harm relating to the extremely extended waits in CAAAS?
Our response:
Access to services in Gloucestershire is determined based on need rather than diagnosis. Families should access the graduated pathway and the appropriate support through this pathway.
We offer a consultation model whereby colleagues across health and education are able to contact CAAAS and arrange a consultation slot with a clinician to discuss children.
CAAAS are piloting Moodle which is an online learning platform. Families can access resources and information on this platform which may be useful for them in supporting their child.
Additional funding for psychiatry time was granted in August 2025 as part of a Waiting list initiative for Over 11s ADHD. This is now in place and the wait times are reducing.
You asked:
6. Further to above if the waiting list is growing what is the organisation doing regarding mutual aid or outsourcing?
Our response:
CAAAS sought and received funding for a contract with an external provider. 150 assessments were outsourced in 2024. To date 150 assessments have been outsourced in 2025.
Next steps:
Should you have any queries in relation to our response, please do not hesitate to contact us. If you are unhappy with the response you have received in relation to your request and wish to ask us to review our response, you should write to:
Louise Moss
Head of Legal Services / Associate Director of Corporate Governance
c/o Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust
Edward Jenner Court
1010 Pioneer Avenue
Gloucester Business Park
Brockworth, GL3 4AW
E-mail: louise.moss@ghc.nhs.uk
If you are not content with the outcome of any review, you may apply directly to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) for further advice/guidance. Generally, the ICO will not consider your case unless you have exhausted your enquiries with the Trust which should include considering the use of the Trust’s formal complaints procedure. The ICO can be contacted at: The Information Commissioner’s Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF.