CIW inspection preparation checklist

Use this checklist to verify that your service is ready for a CIW inspection. CIW inspects against the requirements of RISCA 2016 and the 2017 Regulations, focusing on well-being outcomes for service users. Work through each section and resolve any gaps before the inspection.

Registration and governance

Current CIW registration certificate is displayed at the premises
Statement of Purpose is up to date and reflects current service provision
Statement of Purpose has been provided to CIW following any changes
Responsible Individual has visited the service at least quarterly and produced a written report each time
RI quality of care review has been completed every six months, consulted on, and is available to CIW
Organisational chart is current and accessible
Insurance certificates are valid (employer liability, public liability, professional indemnity where applicable)
Previous CIW inspection report requirements have been addressed
Annual return has been submitted to CIW on time

Staffing and workforce

All staff have current DBS checks on file
Staff in registrable roles are registered with Social Care Wales (or within the allowed registration period)
Mandatory training records are complete and up to date for all staff
All staff have completed Welsh language awareness training
Supervision records are on file for each staff member at the required frequency
Annual appraisals have been completed for all staff
Staff rota demonstrates adequate staffing levels for current service users
Induction records are complete for all staff who started within the last six months
Service manager is registered with Social Care Wales and meets fitness requirements

Care delivery and records

Every service user has a current personal plan reviewed at least every three months
Personal plans include evidence of service user and family involvement
Risk assessments are current and reflect each individual's needs
Medication records are accurate with no unexplained gaps
Incident and accident records are maintained and show follow-up actions
Restraint records (where applicable) are documented with justification and review
Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) authorisations are in place where applicable

Welsh language provision

Welsh language needs of each service user have been assessed and recorded
Active Offer of Welsh language services is in place (services offered in Welsh without requiring the person to ask)
Signage and key documents are available bilingually (Welsh and English)
Staff with Welsh language skills are identified and deployed to meet service users' language needs
Recruitment processes consider Welsh language skills for roles involving direct care

Premises and environment

Fire risk assessment is current and reviewed annually
Fire safety equipment is serviced and tested (extinguishers, alarms, emergency lighting)
Fire drills have been conducted and recorded at the required frequency
Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) are in place for service users who need them
Premises are clean, well-maintained, and free from hazards
Infection prevention and control measures are in place and audited
Equipment maintenance logs are current
Environmental risk assessments are documented

Complaints and safeguarding

Complaints procedure is displayed and accessible to service users in Welsh and English
Complaints log is maintained with evidence of investigation and outcome within your published timescales
Safeguarding policy is current and staff know the reporting procedure
Safeguarding concerns have been reported to the local authority and CIW as required
Whistleblowing policy is in place and staff know how to raise concerns

If you answered 'no' to any items above, address these gaps before your CIW inspection. For detailed compliance guidance, see RISCA 2016 compliance requirements. For enforcement consequences, see CIW enforcement response guide.

Legal basis

Primary legislation and key regulations

RISCWA 2016 Primary 2016 · Wales Regulated Services (Service Providers and Responsible Individuals) (Wales) Regulations 2017 Welsh SI 2017 · Wales Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011 Welsh SI 2011 · Wales

Browse UK legislation legislation.gov.uk

Official guidance

CIW inspection reports (opens in a new tab)

CIW inspection preparation checklist

Registration and governance

Staffing and workforce

Care delivery and records

Welsh language provision

Premises and environment

Complaints and safeguarding

Legal basis

Official guidance

Related guides in Compliance & Legal

Meet RISCA 2016 compliance requirements for care services in Wales

Understanding care regulation in Wales: CIW and RISCA 2016

Register a care service with Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW)

Respond to CIW enforcement action in Wales

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