Inspections
Ready or not?
As a new regulatory regime gets underway for social housing, Peter Hubbard and Claire Ward offer five tips to support public and private sector registered providers.
Ofsted rates Havering's children's services inadequate
Havering LBC’s children’s services have been rated inadequate by Government regulator Ofsted after a two-week on-site inspection.
Peer review publication comes at an exciting time for Stockport
The LGA Corporate Peer Challenge process provided Stockport MBC with valuable insight and learning, and noted a council looking to the future, says Cllr Mark Hunter.
Oflog chair ‘aware of the systemic pressures’
Chair of the Office for Local Government (Oflog), Lord Morse, has said he wants to ‘set the record straight’ over a controversial interview.
What can councils expect from stronger social housing regulation?
As councils get ready for the biggest shake-up in social housing regulation in 10 years, regulator Angela Holden gives an early insight into what to expect, ahead of the details due to published early next year.
Upholding the good name of local government
The Government says Oflog will be using data ‘to prompt questions – not judgements’. But, with nervousness in the sector that ‘excessive intervention’ remains a risk, Dan Peters assesses the landscape.
Be bold and better
Oflog may be the Government’s plan for improvement, but Cllr Abi Brown suggests the local government family has a better option – and it should shout about its achievements.
Children's inspection policy change must be adequately funded
A new report setting out the potential consequences of inspection of semi-independent living accommodation for 16-17 year olds finds the costs of the new regime could be nine times higher by 2027, says Simon Edwards.
‘Surprise’ at lack of CQC inspection pilot volunteers
An ex-president of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) has expressed ‘surprise’ at the lack of volunteers to pilot Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspections.
Ofsted finds 'serious failures' at South Tyneside
Ofsted inspectors have graded South Tyneside Council’s children’s services inadequate after alerting chief executive Jonathan Tew and council leaders about ‘serious failures’.
Championing diversity
The Association of Directors of Adult Social Services’ new president Beverley Tarka speaks to Ann McGauran about the influences that shaped her, and the importance of having a narrative for social care to take to government.
Review after child sex convictions
Walsall Safeguarding Partnership (WSP) is carrying out a review after the conviction of 21 people for their parts in the largest child sex abuse case investigated by West Midlands Police.
Valuing Care – supporting children to achieve their full potential
Executive Director of Children’s Services at Norfolk County Council Sara Tough discusses a partnership between Norfolk CC and IMPOWER with children and young people at its heart.
Perilous pressure
Ann McGauran reports from this year’s Care England Conference, where key figures discussed how to thrive and not just survive.
Keegan orders Solihull to improve children's services oversight
Education secretary Gillian Keegan has ordered Solihull MBC to improve senior oversight of its children’s services following fresh criticism by a Government-appointed commissioner.
Future Forum: Get the fundamentals right to avoid Government inspectors
Councils should ‘get the fundamentals right’ to avoid central Government inspectors calling, a top council lawyer has said.
Adult social care provision 'perilous'
A third of adult social care providers are considering leaving the market, a conference has heard.
EXCLUSIVE: Ofsted offers to inspect UASC hotels
Watchdog Ofsted this week offered to inspect hotels being used to house unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC) amid snowballing concern over their condition and safeguarding record.
Watchdog will 'protect' councils, says Rowley
The Office for Local Government (Oflog) will provide a ‘protective shield’ for councils when it launches later this year, local government minister Lee Rowley has revealed.
MJ Housing: Ready for regulation
As new legislation heralds greater power for housing regulation, Kate Dodsworth suggests councils should get ready – but the real focus should be on doing the right thing for residents.
