Care Inspectorate Wales

As the regulator of social care services across Wales, CIW is a risk-based regulator that is required to protect and promote the welfare of service users and assure the public as to the standard of registered services.

Regulation in Wales has undergone a transformation in recent years with the implementation of the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016 and the Regulated Services (Service Providers and Responsible Individuals) (Wales) Regulations 2017. Additionally, the anticipated introduction of ratings will be a major change to the way in which providers are regulated in Wales.

At Gordons Partnership, we have a specialist Health and Social Care Provider Team led by Neil Grant who has over 25 years’ experience working in the sector. We have a detailed understanding of the 2016 Act, the 2017 Regulations and the Statutory Guidance, as well as CIW’s underlying methodologies.

Our expertise enables us to advise clients on the following areas:

• The CIW registration journey. A provider cannot operate lawfully without CIW registration. We can assist applicants in obtaining CIW registration, whether they are new to the sector or wish to add additional services to their portfolio.
• CIW Inspection. Registered services are subject to the full rigour of CIW inspection at periodic intervals. We support clients through the inspection process, including responding to CIW inspection reports at the draft and review stages.
• CIW Compliance. We work with our clients in addressing compliance issues, often alongside specialist care consultants in Wales with whom we have a longstanding relationship. Equally, where the facts and evidence do not support an alleged breach of regulation, we support our clients in challenging CIW in a polite but firm manner.
• CIW Enforcement. CIW has a wide range of enforcement powers ranging from prosecution to cancellation of registration. We defend providers subject to CIW regulatory action, always seeking to resolve matters as quickly as possible.

Neil Grant writes:

An in depth understanding of CIW’s jurisdiction and methodologies is essential in order to advise providers effectively. At the same time, it is critical to put in place a strategy and plan at the outset, linked to the evidence and an informed assessment of risk. Each case is unique and has to be judged on its own merits. Our approach is based on cooperation, respect and collaboration but we are always assertive in defending our clients’ interests.

Please feel to contact Neil Grant for a free, no-obligation discussion. Our paramount concern is to assist health and social care providers requiring regulatory and commercial advice.