An Introduction to the CIW Inspection Framework and Preparing for Published Ratings

The social care sector in Wales is on the cusp of significant changes with the introduction of a new inspection framework by Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) and the upcoming publication of inspection ratings starting in April 2025.

This blog aims to provide social care managers in Wales with an overview of these changes and highlight key actions you can start taking now to ensure your services are well-prepared.

Understanding the Foundation: The Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016

The new framework is built upon the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016. This legislation aims to enhance transparency, ensure accountability, and move beyond basic compliance to focus on the quality of care and support provided. The introduction of published ratings under section 37 of this Act is a key step in achieving these goals.

Key Components of the New Inspection Framework:

The inspection process will focus on four key themes:

1. Well-being | Focus on individual outcomes: This overarching theme considers the extent to which people achieve their well-being outcomes, underpinned by the other three themes. It aligns with the principles of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 and assesses aspects like health, safety, relationships, and control over daily life.
2. Care and Support | Focus on quality and appropriateness of care: This theme examines the quality and appropriateness of the care and support provided, ensuring it is person-centred, respects dignity, and promotes independence.
3. Environment | Focus on suitability of accommodation: For accommodation-based services, this theme assesses the suitability and safety of the physical environment and how it supports people’s well-being and independence.
4. Leadership and Management | Focus on effectiveness of service operation: This theme focuses on the effectiveness of the service’s leadership, management, and governance arrangements in ensuring smooth operations and high-quality care.

Following inspections, services will receive one of four ratings for each theme:

• Excellent
• Good
• Requires Improvement
• Requires Significant Improvement

These ratings will be included in inspection reports and, crucially, will be published from April 2025.

What to Expect During Inspections:

Building on the understanding of the key themes, it’s important for managers to know that Inspectors will take a strengths-based approach while focusing on outcomes for individuals. They will gather evidence across the four themes to determine the appropriate rating. This evidence gathering will be guided by the Lines of Enquiry (LOEs) within each theme. The framework reflects a commitment to upholding the rights of people who use care and support services.

You will receive feedback on the proposed ratings for each inspection theme as part of the formal feedback process following an inspection. This provides an opportunity to discuss the findings and test the evidence.

Preparing Your Service: Key Actions to Take Now:

To ensure your service is ready for the new framework and the publication of ratings, consider taking the following actions:

• Familiarise Yourself Thoroughly: Read the new “Framework for inspection of adults and children’s services” and related guidance available on the CIW website. Pay close attention to the rating descriptors for each theme and the Lines of Enquiry. Also, review the “Interim guidance for Providers on ratings” for foundational information
• Focus on Well-being Outcomes: Ensure your service practices actively support individuals to achieve their personal well-being outcomes as defined by the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014. Evidence how your service impacts the eight key life aspects of well-being.
• Review Your Statement of Purpose: Ensure your Statement of Purpose accurately reflects the services you provide and your aspirations for meeting the needs of the people you support. Inspections will consider whether your service provision aligns with this statement.
• Strengthen Evidence Gathering: Develop robust systems for gathering and documenting evidence of the quality of care and support across all four themes. This includes demonstrating positive outcomes for individuals, effective leadership, a suitable environment (if applicable), and person-centred care practices.
• Engage Your Team: Hold team meetings to explain the new ratings system and the four inspection themes. Create opportunities for staff to share examples of positive practice. Ensure all staff understand their role in contributing to positive outcomes and achieving good ratings.
• Prepare for Displaying Ratings: Familiarise yourself with the guidance on how to display ratings. Understand the requirements for displaying ratings physically and online, utilising the widget that CIW will provide. Ensure your CIW Online account is up to date and check your website’s technical capability to add the widget.
• Review Quality Assurance Processes: Ensure your internal quality assurance and governance frameworks are effective in monitoring the quality of care and driving continuous improvement.
• Understand the Feedback and Challenge Process: Be clear about the process for receiving feedback following inspections and the procedure for challenging a rating if you believe there are factual inaccuracies or incomplete evidence.

Utilising Available Resources:

CIW has published a range of resources to support providers in understanding the new framework and preparing for published ratings. These include:

• Framework for inspection of adults’ and children’s services
• A guide for care providers on how to display ratings
• Getting ready for ratings: your pre-launch checklist (for providers)
• Understanding ratings guides for various stakeholders
• RISCA ratings action plan

These resources can be found on the Care Inspectorate Wales website.

Looking Ahead:

The introduction of the new inspection framework and published ratings represents an important step towards greater transparency and continuous improvement in the social care sector in Wales.

By proactively engaging with the new framework and taking the necessary preparatory steps, managers can ensure their services are well-positioned to demonstrate the valuable work they do and achieve ratings that reflect the quality of care they provide. Remember to stay informed by regularly checking the CIW website for the latest guidance and updates.

The practical implications of this new framework are highlighted in recent news.

Recent news from BBC Wales highlights the imminent implementation of these changes. As reported on March 27th, 2025, the new inspection ratings system is set to officially launch on April 1st, 2025. This signifies a crucial step towards increased transparency in the Welsh social care sector, empowering individuals and their families to make informed decisions about care options.

While the system goes live on April 1st, it’s important to note that Care Inspectorate Wales anticipates it will take up to two years to inspect and rate all eligible care services across the country. This phased approach acknowledges the scale of the undertaking and allows providers time to adapt to the new framework.