Where we work
Care services in Wales
Support for setting up and operating services in Wales, with the distinction between social care, childcare and independent healthcare made clear.
A Welsh service needs Welsh registration documents and an operating model that meets the requirements for that service. An English registration or policy set is not a substitute.
Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW)
CIW regulates social care services, including relevant care homes, domiciliary support services and children’s provision. Childminding, nurseries and other childcare and play services have a separate childcare framework within CIW’s remit.
Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW)
Independent hospitals, clinics and medical agencies may require HIW registration. A clinical CAMHS or mother-and-baby proposal needs a healthcare scope review, rather than being treated automatically as a social care service. We agree the clinical and other specialist input needed for the proposed work.
Children’s-care business models
Since 1 April 2026, new for-profit providers cannot register restricted children’s services with CIW. New children’s care-home and secure-accommodation projects need an early review of the required not-for-profit model and applicable transitional rules.
The framework for your service
Social care registration is governed by the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016 and relevant regulations. Childcare and independent healthcare have different legislation and standards. The responsible individual, manager and workforce requirements are checked against the chosen service.
Our work can include service planning, application preparation, leadership preparation, opening checks and support for an existing provider. We agree what is included, who handles specialist work and what happens after handover.