1.6 Summarise sources of information and support in relation to the regulation of adult care services

This guide will help you answer 1.6 Summarise sources of information and support in relation to the regulation of adult care services.

Knowing where to find accurate information and support is important for managers and leaders in adult care. Staying informed helps your service stay compliant, safe, and ready for inspection. There are many free and trusted sources to support you with legal requirements, best practice, new guidance, and professional advice on regulations.

In this guide, we cover the main sources of information and support for adult care services in England.

Government Departments

Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC)

The DHSC is the government department responsible for adult social care policy in England. Its website provides:

• The latest updates on legislation and statutory guidance
• Official press releases about changes in law or policy
• Links to best practice and sector resources

Gov.uk

The main government website collates laws, regulations, codes of practice, policy documents, and consultation pages. Search here for any act, regulation, or national policy.

Gov.uk features:

• All legislation, including the Health and Social Care Act 2008
• Guidance documents from DHSC, CQC, and other bodies
• Updates on regulatory changes

Regulatory Bodies

Care Quality Commission (CQC)

The CQC regulates and inspects adult care providers in England. Its website is the leading source for inspection reports, regulation guidance, and sector updates.

CQC resources include:

• Provider handbooks and guidance on meeting the regulations
• Information on the inspection process and Key Lines of Enquiry (KLOEs)
• Registration requirements and forms
• Enforcement policies and action updates
• Reports for all registered services
• Public information on the Fundamental Standards

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

The DBS provides detailed guidance about staff checks and the barring process, which are legal requirements for safe recruitment in adult care.

Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

The ICO gives support and statutory guidance on data protection, confidentiality, and information sharing. This is relevant for anyone handling service user records or staff files.

Local Safeguarding Adults Boards

Each local area has an Adult Safeguarding Board. They provide multi-agency guidance, policies, and training to help providers follow the law on protecting adults at risk.

Professional Bodies and Sector Representatives

Skills for Care

Skills for Care is the workforce development charity for adult care. Its website offers:

• Best practice guides on recruitment, training, and supervision
• Templates and toolkits for compliance
• News on sector standards, qualifications, and apprenticeships

Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE)

SCIE develops evidence-based guides, examples, and research on what works in social care. Resources include:

• Guidance on person-centred care, safeguarding, and mental capacity
• Case studies and audit tools
• Good practice checklists

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)

NICE issues guidelines relevant to adult care, such as infection prevention and medicines management. Their information supports evidence-based practice and is often referenced in inspection guidance.

Professional Associations

Bodies like the British Association of Social Workers (BASW), Royal College of Nursing (RCN), and others publish position statements, good practice guidance, and legal updates for their members.

Advice, Support, and Forums

Local Authorities

Local councils commission care services, fund placements, and have contract monitoring teams. They can provide:

• Local policy guidance and contract requirements
• Advice on regulatory expectations
• Access to local support networks or learning events

Peer Support Networks

Registered managers’ forums, local interest groups, or sector working groups offer an opportunity to:

• Share experiences of inspection and compliance
• Swap policies and good practice
• Seek informal advice from other managers

Legal and Consultancy Services

Many organisations provide specialist legal and compliance advice for adult care (for example, care sector solicitors or consultancies). These services may offer:

• Updates on changes in regulation and case law
• Representation or advice if facing enforcement action
• Support for writing or reviewing key policies

Trade Unions

Unions (such as Unison, Unite, or GMB) provide legal and professional support for their members covering employment law, whistleblowing, and compliance in the workplace.

Publications and Subscriptions

Sector Journals and Magazines

Magazines like Community Care, carelearning.org.uk, Care Management Matters, and The Care Home Environment share:

• News about regulation and CQC changes
• Good practice stories from other providers
• Interviews with inspectors or policy leads

Newsletters

Signing up to newsletters from CQC, Skills for Care, SCIE, or your local authority provides regular, direct updates to your inbox about regulation changes, training events, and inspection tips.

Online Resources

Webinars and E-Learning

Many sector organisations offer free or low-cost webinars and e-learning on topics like inspection preparation, safeguarding, and compliance.

Social Media

Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook have active professional groups and pages. Follow CQC, SCIE, Skills for Care, and regional forums for timely news and opportunities to connect.

Final Thoughts

Managers in adult social care services can strengthen compliance and prepare for inspection by using the above resources.

Relying on trusted information sources and external support helps your service to meet regulatory obligations and deliver safe, person-centred care.