We register and inspect a wide range of health and social care services. Our inspections are based on regulations and minimum care standards which will ensure that both the public and the service providers know what quality of services is expected.

Our inspectors visit nursing and residential care homes and children's homes to examine all aspects of the care provided, to guarantee the comfort and dignity of those using the facilities, and ensure public confidence in these services.

We are responsible for the inspection of a range of other bodies including independent hospitals and clinics, and nursing agencies.

Adult placement agency: arranges for placing a person in need with an adult placement carer for the provision of care and support (which may include accommodation); recruiting and training adult placement carers; and supporting and monitoring placements.  This does not include arrangements made by a person solely for the provision of care and support for their relative.

Children's homes: provides care and accommodation wholly or mainly for children.

Day care setting: a place where people in need of particular services may attend for assessment, rehabilitation or counselling, but are not provided with board or accommodation.

Domiciliary care agency: arranges or provides services to people in their own homes for those who are unable to provide such service for themselves without assistance.

Independent clinic: an establishment (that is not a hospital) in which services are provided by medical practitioners.

Independent hospital: a hospital which is not managed by a health and social care trust.

Nursing agency: supplies or provides registered nurses, midwives or health visitors.

Nursing homes: provides nursing for people suffering from any illness or infirmity. 

Residential care homes: provides residential accommodation with both board and personal care for persons in need of personal care by reason of old age and infirmity; disablement; past or present dependence on alcohol or drugs; or past or present mental disorder.

Residential family centre: provides accommodation for children and their parents; monitors or assesses the parents' capacity to respond to the children's needs and to safeguard their welfare; or gives advice, guidance or counselling to parents as necessary (parent means any person who is looking after the child).