Care homes in Wales to display public inspection ratings

A new inspection ratings system for care services will come into effect across Wales on 1 April, with the aim of improving transparency and supporting people in making informed decisions about care.

The ratings will apply to all care homes and domiciliary support services, and most providers will be required to display them both on-site and online following inspections.

Each service will be assessed across four key themes: Well-being, Care and Support, Leadership and Management, and Environment. Ratings will be awarded on a four-point scale: excellent, good, requires improvement, or requires significant improvement.

The Welsh Government consulted on the plan last year and says the system was developed in close collaboration with care providers and commissioners across the country.

Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW), the body responsible for inspecting care services, will oversee the implementation of the system and provide support to service providers. Ratings will be published in CIW inspection reports, on its website, and on posters displayed at each service.

Although the system launches on 1 April, it is expected to take up to two years for all eligible services to be inspected and rated.

The Minister for Children and Social Care, Dawn Bowden, said: “Care services throughout Wales have a crucial role in looking after people. For many of them, a care service can also be their home, where they live and thrive, and we want to keep ensuring they receive the best possible care.

“These ratings will enable people to make important decisions in choosing what’s right for them and support their well-being. They will also enable service providers to pinpoint their strengths as well as areas for growth and development.

“I want to thank the sector for their work in helping us develop the system.”

Gillian Baranski, Chief Inspector at Care Inspectorate Wales, said: “This new ratings system will help people make informed choices about care services while supporting providers to continuously enhance the quality of care they deliver.

“Most care in Wales is good care. Ratings will highlight what is working well and support improvement where needed across Wales.”