CCPS membership meeting September 2009 The Public Service Reform (Scotland) Bill and the new scrutiny bodies

Crerar report - analysis External scrutiny arrangements Lack clarity of role and purpose Cost a lot of money Are complex – number of bodies, how they interact, different methodologies, different accountabilities Fail to involve the public appropriately Over-burden service providers (esp. local authorities)

Crerar report - recommendations Unique role of scrutiny – “independent assurance” - that services are well managed, safe, public money being used properly, etc Public focus Emphasis on performance management and self-assessment All scrutiny to be part of a coherent system Single national scrutiny body

Public Services Reform (Scotland) Bill - care Dissolves Care Commission and SWIA Creates new scrutiny body: SCSWIS (Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland) to carry out the existing functions of The Care Commission (care services) SWIA HMIE (child protection/children’s services)

Public Services Reform (Scotland) Bill - health Creates new scrutiny body: HIS (Healthcare Improvement Scotland) to carry out the functions of The Care Commission (independent healthcare services) NHS QIS (Quality Improvement Scotland)

CCPS evidence on the Bill Support for the new body (SCSWIS) Potential for ‘whole systems’ scrutiny of care – service delivery and service commissioning inspected by the same body Common standards/outcomes User focus provisions

CCPS evidence on the Bill Issues raised: Differential enforcement powers Differential powers to investigate complaints Does not address LA’s own role in scrutiny Does not address failure of (some) LAs to take account of gradings Registration fees

CCPS evidence on the Bill Additional issue: Service definitions – flexibility needed Service-based or provider-based registration? Regulation of self-directed support Transfer to new body Name of new body