Care Inspectorate appoints new top team

The Care Inspectorate today announced the appointment of a new top-level executive team charged with directing the organisation’s work as part of a major restructuring exercise.

Following the appointments of Karen Anderson as depute chief executive/director of strategic planning, and Gordon Weir as director of corporate services, the Inspectorate has appointed Dr Robert Peat as its director of inspection.

Dr Peat comes from Angus Council with an extensive background in social work and drug and alcohol treatment. He will oversee the work of almost 300 inspectors charged with regulating and improving the care of children and adults, and criminal justice social work, across Scotland.

The new executive team has been appointed ahead of a change in the way the inspectors will work. Instead of working on a regional basis, they will now work in specialist units, drawing on their own frontline experience to inspect the type of services in which they have specialist knowledge.

Annette Bruton, the chief executive appointed in 2012, says the changes are essential in driving forward the work of the Care Inspectorate, which took over the work of the old Care Commission, the Social Work Inspection Agency and the child protection functions of HMIE.

Annette Bruton said: “The way children and adults are cared for in Scotland is changing, and so are we.

“The majority of services are performing well. Our role as a regulator will not be diluted, but the days of tick-box regulation are over. I want our talented staff to be at the heart of the improvement agenda, using our expertise to make every care service in Scotland the highest standard.

“Every person using a care service in Scotland should receive good quality care that reflects their needs and promotes their rights. Our restructure will strengthen our work with people who deliver and use services, and their carers, to make this happen.

“The senior directors I have appointed will play a crucial in focusing what we do and making sure the care provided to people in Scotland is world class. I am particularly pleased to welcome Dr Peat, who brings with him a vast wealth of experience in social care and his outstanding knowledge of treating drug and alcohol abuse.

“The changes we have made to the Care Inspectorate are significant, but essential in order to develop the work we do and give confidence to people across Scotland.”

Newly appointed Director of Inspection Dr Robert Peat said: “This is an exciting time to be joining the Care Inspectorate as it further strengthens its role in scrutiny and improvement.

“Ensuring positive outcomes for people who use care services will continue to be at the heart of all our work, and that’s why we will strive to get the right balance between regulation, inspection, and improvement. I am looking forward to working with everyone at the Care Inspectorate and partner organisations in taking this important agenda forward.”