Healthcare & Social Care Scotland

Register with the Care Inspectorate Scotland

Step-by-step guide to registering a care service with the Care Inspectorate Scotland under the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010, including application requirements, fitness assessments, premises standards, fees, and expected timescales.

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If you plan to provide a care service in Scotland, you must register with the Care Inspectorate (Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland) before you begin operating. It is a criminal offence under section 80 of the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 to provide an unregistered care service, carrying on summary conviction a fine of up to £5,000 (level 5), up to 3 months' imprisonment, or both.

This guide takes you through the full registration process, from checking whether your service requires registration to receiving your certificate.

Step 1: Check if your service must register

The Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 defines specific categories of care service that require registration. Not every service that involves care or support falls within scope. Start by checking whether your planned service matches one of the regulated service types.

If your service does not fit any of the categories above, it may not require Care Inspectorate registration. Contact the Care Inspectorate directly if you are unsure — they offer pre-application guidance to help you determine whether registration is needed.

Step 2: Understand the costs

Registration involves both an initial application fee and ongoing annual continuation fees. Fees vary by service type and the number of places registered — for example, a care home application costs £3,849, with an annual continuation fee of £157 per registered place. Budget for these costs before applying, as fees are payable regardless of the outcome.

Step 3: Prepare your application

Before submitting your application, you must gather substantial evidence to demonstrate that you, your premises, and your proposed staffing arrangements are fit to deliver a care service.

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    1. Appoint a manager and gather fitness evidence

    The Care Inspectorate must be satisfied that the applicant, the proposed manager, and any named individuals are fit to be involved in carrying on a care service. You will need to provide a Level 2 PVG disclosure for each individual, references, proof of qualifications, and a full employment history with explanations for any gaps.

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    2. Prepare your premises

    If your service operates from physical premises (such as a care home, nursery, or day centre), the premises must meet the requirements in the Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland (Requirements for Care Services) Regulations 2011. This includes adequate space, fire safety certification, and environmental health clearance where food is prepared.

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    3. Develop your policies and procedures

    You must have documented policies covering: safeguarding and adult protection, complaints handling, medication management, infection prevention and control, recruitment (including PVG checks), health and safety, and information governance. Policies must be specific to your service, not generic templates.

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    4. Complete the application form

    Download the appropriate application form from the Care Inspectorate website for your service type. Complete all sections and attach the required supporting documents including fitness evidence, premises documentation, policies, insurance certificates, and your proposed staffing structure.

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    5. Submit and pay

    Submit your application with the registration fee. The Care Inspectorate will acknowledge receipt and assign an inspector to assess your application.

Step 4: The assessment process

After submission, the Care Inspectorate will assess your application. This typically involves:

  • Desktop review – checking all submitted documents are complete and satisfactory
  • Premises visit – an inspector will visit your premises to confirm they meet regulatory requirements
  • Fitness interview – the applicant and proposed manager may be interviewed to assess their knowledge, experience, and suitability
  • Information requests – you may be asked for additional documentation or clarification

The assessment process typically takes 3 to 6 months depending on complexity and the completeness of your initial application.

Step 5: Registration decision

The Care Inspectorate will grant or refuse registration. If granted, registration may include conditions (for example, a maximum number of service users, age ranges, or hours of operation). You must comply with any conditions attached to your registration.

If your application is refused, you have the right to appeal to the sheriff court.

After registration: ongoing obligations

Once registered, you must:

  • Pay annual continuation fees on time
  • Notify the Care Inspectorate of significant events including deaths, serious injuries, allegations of abuse, and changes to the manager or provider
  • Prepare for inspections – the Care Inspectorate conducts both announced and unannounced inspections
  • Meet the Health and Social Care Standards at all times
  • Ensure workforce registration with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) for all relevant staff