Social Services Inspectorate

The Chief Social Services Inspector answers directly to the Minister. He provides advice on the quality of social work and social care services and the need for them. He reports on inspections to the Minister and seeks approval for the publication of inspection reports. The Chief Inspector provides professional advice directly to Ministers where he thinks this is necessary. He has responsibility for the development and implementation of training policy for the personal social services.

The Inspectorate is part of the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety and we work closely with all Directorates in the Health and Personal Social Services Management Group (HPSS Management Group) and the different Units within the Policy and Strategy Division including the Voluntary Activity Unit. We also provide an inspection and professional advice service to the Northern Ireland Office which carries responsibility for the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland. We work independently of policy divisions when we are carrying out inspections. We consult Policy Units, Executive Directorates, Boards, Trusts and other major agencies about inspection priorities before the Chief Inspector proposes the programme of inspection for Ministers to approve.