Wales’ Chief Inspector’s publishes final annual report ahead of her retirement

The Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales 2015-16 annual report will be the last for outgoing Chief Inspector Imelda Richardson as she retires at the end of the month.

In her final report the Chief Inspector said: “I am pleased to report that 90% of services we inspected met the required standards but more must be done – and quickly to drive improvements towards high quality care that people deserve.

“We act swiftly to tackle poor quality services and care, and will continue to monitor those services that we have serious concerns about.

“People are our best asset and I would like to thank the public for continuing to report concerns to us. This is an important part of our work and in order to have a solid social care system we must rely on everybody to make sure vulnerable people’s well-being and human rights are protected.

“A solid social care system also means we must have strong commissioning practice, especially in adult social services – where we see the biggest risk. Work is being done across the sector, but local authorities and health partners must accelerate action to ensure a more sustainable and vibrant care market.”

The Chief Inspector thanked counterparts in Inspectorate Wales for “their strong partnership” and the “good progress” made towards strengthening the scrutiny of audit, regulation and inspection in Wales.

She added: “We have achieved some important milestones with the legislative agenda over the year, which will have a positive impact on people, and in particular I welcome yesterday’s announcement of the 30 hour free childcare offer in Wales which will give children the best start in life.

“Childcare providers and the sector have responded positively to meet the new laws and inspections with ratings from this April, and can build on these solid foundations in supporting the new offer through accessible quality care to support working parents.

It has been a privilege to work alongside adult care, social care and childcare professionals at all levels, as we strive to make a difference to people’s lives, and I wish my successor well in continuing to take this forward.”

Download the report here:http://cssiw.org.uk/our-reports/annual-reports/2015-16/?lang=en