Q & A

Q. Where can I get copies of inspection reports?
A. All inspection reports carried out after 1 April 2005, including those carried out jointly with HMIe, are available on our care service list.  Reports completed between April 2002 and March 2005 and can be obtained from the local office or by using our information request form.

Q. How do I complain if I‘m not satisfied with how an inspection has been carried out? A.  We will investigate all complaints whether they are about a care service or about the Care Commission.  Complaints can be made using the make a complaint form in the complaints section. 

Q. Will the Care Commission consult me on my views about regulation?
A. The Care Commission has a statutory duty to consult with people on its work and its proposals for developing its system of regulation.  Our information request form section will give you a number of options about how to get involved with our work.

Q. What are the National Care Standards?
A. Scottish Ministers have developed and published National Care Standards for a wide range of care services. The aim is to ensure that care service users receive the same high standard of care no matter where they live in Scotland. Copies of the standards are available online at www.scotland.gov.uk or free of charge from Blackwells Bookshop, 53-59 South Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1YS, Tel: 0131 622 8283

Q. Will there be a formal review of the standards, and when and in what for of consultation will take place?
A. The Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act requires Scottish Ministers to keep standards under review and to consult on any substantial changes to the standards.  The National Standards Committee develops the standards on behalf of Ministers and is currently considering how best to review the standards.  Consultation will form an integral part of any review.

Q. Why do providers need to pay fees to register a service?
A. The cost of regulating the quality of care must be met. Currently, the Care Commission is funded by a mix of Scottish Government funding and fee income. Fee levels are set by the Scottish Government following wide consultation with interested parties.

Q. Who do I contact if I want to register a new service?
A. If you would like to register a service for the first time, contact your local office who will provide an application pack.

Q. What is the Scottish Social Services Council?
A. The Scottish Social Services Council was established in 2002 under the same Act of Scottish Parliament as the Care Commission.  Its job is to regulate the individuals who make up social care workforce in Scotland. It has published codes of practice for employers and employees. The Care Commission will have to take into account the codes of practice for employers during regulation of care services.