Standards review to be in three stages

The long-awaited review of the national minimum standards for
adult services will take place in three stages, starting with a
consultation this month on the frequency of inspection.

The first phase, to allow the Commission for Social Care
Inspection to focus inspection on poor-performing services, is
expected to be implemented in April 2006.

This will be followed by reforms to the content of the
standards, which will be consulted on next year, to come into force
in April 2007.

The final phase will look at the structure of the standards,
such as the division between regulations for older people and
younger adults, as part of a wider review of health and social care
regulation.

The timetable was included in a report to the commission this
week.

The CSCI is still awaiting a decision from the Department for
Education and Skills on the future of the national minimum
standards for children’s services.