Registering a care service in Scotland

Scotland's care services are regulated by the Care Inspectorate under the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010. If you want to provide a care service in Scotland, you must register with the Care Inspectorate before you begin operating. The Scottish system is distinct from the rest of the UK — CQC, Care Inspectorate Wales, and RQIA have no jurisdiction here.

The Care Inspectorate registers, inspects, and grades care services against the Health and Social Care Standards. Understanding how this regulatory model works is your essential first step.

The Care Inspectorate regulates specific categories of care service. Each type has its own registration requirements, conditions, and inspection criteria. Before you invest in premises, staffing, or equipment, you need to confirm which category your service falls into — and whether it requires registration at all.

Registration requires you to demonstrate that your service can meet the Health and Social Care Standards from day one. The Care Inspectorate will assess your fitness to provide a care service, including your premises, policies, staffing plans, and financial viability. Allow sufficient lead time — the process can take several months depending on the complexity of your service.

Once registered, your service must continuously meet the Health and Social Care Standards, published in June 2017 and effective from April 2018. These are outcome-focused standards built around five principles: dignity and respect, compassion, be included, responsive care and support, and wellbeing. The Care Inspectorate inspects and grades your service against these standards using a six-point quality framework.

Scotland requires care workers to be individually registered with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC). This is a legal requirement — not optional professional membership. Workers must apply for registration within three months of starting in a registrable role, meet qualification requirements within set timescales, and adhere to the SSSC Codes of Practice. Employing unregistered staff beyond the allowed period is an offence.

The Care Inspectorate conducts both announced and unannounced inspections. Inspectors assess your service against the Health and Social Care Standards, speak to service users, staff, and families, and review your records and policies. Inspection grades are published publicly on the Care Inspectorate website. Maintaining continuous readiness is far more effective than preparing only when you expect a visit.