Social Services Inspectorate

The importance of setting standards is emphasised in the Citizen's Charter which states that authorities should publish details of how they are performing against set standards. These standards clearly say what level of service would be provided or how it would be provided. Clear standards are agreed by us in advance of the commencement of an inspection. We are as specific as possible, before each inspection starts, about the measures to be used to judge services and their impact. The standards we use are derived from Government policy, regulation and legislation and best practice supported by recent research, beliefs and values. Standards will address what is provided, how it is provided and managed and the impact on the people who use services and their carers.