Guidance for Service Providers

In this section you can read more about RQIA's inspection methodology and its inspection activity in the year ahead.

For information on our inspection methodology, click here.

For general background on announced inspection activity, click here.

For information on minimum standards for providers, click here.

In 2004, a fire occurred at a care home in Scotland, where 14 elderly residents lost their lives. The report of the fatal accident inquiry into the fire was published in 2011 identified a number of issues as contributory factors to this fatal accident. For your information, RQIA has prepared a guidance check list (see below), which sets out learning and improvement for consideration and implementation as necessary. This guidance is relevant to all registered managers and providers, and to fire safety advisers and fire risk assessors who should assist in applying this learning in residential care facilities. A number of the issues identified are also relevant to the staff working in residential care facilities and should be brought to their attention. RQIA recommends that providers review and amend/update as necessary current arrangements for managing fire safety, including fire risk assessment and fire safety practices.

All public and private organisations are legally obliged to protect any personal information they hold, and may be required to notify the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) unless they meet specific exemptions.  Public authorities are also obliged to provide public access to official information.  The information and guidance within the ICO website will help you understand these obligations and keep you updated as and when they change.  For further information visit: www.ico.gov.uk

If you have any questions on any of this guidance, please contact the lead inspector for your home, or alternatively email RQIA at info@rqia.org.uk