Guide
The Care Inspectorate registration process, stage by stage
Updated
Registration in Scotland is an assessment of three things: you, your premises, and what you say the service will do for the people who use it. The application form is simply how you evidence them.
What the Care Inspectorate assesses
- That the applicant and the manager are fit to provide or manage a care service. The Care Inspectorate says this includes assessing a potential provider's integrity, character and financial background, and, where the applicant will also manage the service, their skills, knowledge and experience.
- That the premises in which the service will be provided are fit to be used for that purpose.
- That the proposed service will make all the proper provisions for the health, welfare, independence, choice, privacy and dignity of everyone using the service.
- It may also check the financial viability of the service.
The sequence
- Apply on the digital portal. The online application shows you only the sections relevant to your applicant type and service type, and lets you upload supporting documents and pay the fee.
- Pay the fee. The Care Inspectorate says the fee must be paid before it can consider your application. See the fee bands.
- PVG checks. The Care Inspectorate determines from your application who needs a Protection of Vulnerable Groups scheme record check, must be a counter signatory, and requires the application to be progressed through it. It also runs online searches of publicly available information, and may contact Police Scotland if it has concerns.
- Assessment by the national registration team, checking the information, the fee, your fitness, the premises and the provisions the service will make.
- Decision. Under section 60 of the 2010 Act the Care Inspectorate may grant unconditionally, grant subject to conditions, or refuse.
How long it takes
The Care Inspectorate says it aims to assess applications within six months for services other than childminding, and adds that this presumes you supply a competent and fully detailed application as well as any additional information requested. It warns that inaccurate or inadequate information may mean the application is rejected and you have to start again (careinspectorate.scot, the registration process). Do not sign a lease against a fixed registration date.
If the answer is no, or conditional
If the Care Inspectorate proposes to refuse registration, or to grant it subject to conditions you have not agreed in writing, it must give you notice of that proposal. You have 14 days to dispute the matters in writing, and a right of appeal to the sheriff under section 75 of the 2010 Act, which must be exercised within 14 days, or 17 days where the notice was posted.
If registration is granted, you receive a certificate of registration electronically detailing the conditions of registration, and the Care Inspectorate says you should print it and display it where people who use the service can read it. The conditions also appear on the public care service list.