Ask Sheila 
Sheila will try to answer as many of your English Social Care questions as possible, giving priority to frequently asked questions and questions regarding current events and trends.
Sheila Scott OBE from National Care Association (NCA). Care is Sheila’s life; she possesses a strong command of the issues facing the care sector informed by her long career as a nursing professional, the owner and manager of a care business and as a leader in the care sector.
Sheila will try to answer as many of your questions as possible, giving priority to frequently asked questions and questions regarding current events and trends.
Please note that Sheila can not offer answers to matters requiring legal advice. If your matter concerns a specific service provider, please contact the CQC.
Latest Questions
After completing the care certificate do staff need to do an NVQ 2, is it compulsory?
After completing the care certificate do staff need to do an NVQ 2, is it compulsory?
Dear J, Thank you for your question. It is not compulsory for members of staff to undertake an Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level 2. That does not mean to say though that in...
What skills and qualifications are required to become a carer in a Care Home?
Hi Sheila
I am very interested in becoming a carer, I don’t have any previous experience. Will it be beneficial to me to do an online course before looking for work?
Dear Pamela, Thank you for your question. There are few careers that are more satisfying or rewarding than a successful career in care. I would advise you to seek a job and...
What steps need to be taken when setting up private care for the elderly?
Hi Sheila, I have a five bedroom house and wanted to go into private care for the elderly, is it possible to start with only five? Do I need to be registered & what qualifications will I need?
Hi S, You must register any premises where you intend to operate as a care home for older people with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). In the first instance you should read...
Should I be waking residents early in the morning because my manager tells me to?
Hi Sheila, a 74 years old woman living in residential /supported care is being awakened at 6:00am as the manager thinks she needs to be, is this correct?
Dear H, Thank you for your question. The ladies' care plan should contain all the information needed about the ladies' care. It should detail what her wishes are for events such as what...
What qualifications are required to become a Register Manager in a Care Home?
Hi Sheila, I have a RGN qualification and a Level 5 in Management and Development, also a Level 4 teaching qualification. Can I become a Registered Manager with these qualifications?
Dear M, Thank you for your question. The straightforward answer is yes. You have the ideal qualifications! The regulation to become a Registered Manager requires the following: A person (M) shall not manage the...
What is the process when setting up a day centre in Scotland?
Hi Sheila, I am a nurse with over 17 years Adult Nursing Experience. My friend and I are planning to start a day centre in Scotland. Can you give some advice on registering the service, licences and other things that a legal business should have.
Dear T, Thank you for your question. I asked Senga Currie, QCS's Head of Care Development (Scotland) for advice and she pointed me towards the place where you will find all the...
Can DBS bar people without any notice or information?
Hi Sheila, Can DBS bar people without any notice or information? Do they disclose this to employer without the informing the candidate. If they do this, what are the legal rights of employee?
Dear R, Thank you for your question. The straightforward answer to your question is no. You would always be informed if you have been placed on the barred list. It is an offence...
What qualifications are required to become a nominated individual whilst registering a Domiciliary Care Home?
Hi Sheila, what qualifications do you need to be a responsible individual whilst registering a domiciliary care business?
Dear P, Thank you for your question. The Care Quality Commission says that a Nominated Individual should: Be of good character.
Be able to properly perform tasks that are intrinsic to their...
Would I be eligible to become a CQC inspector?
Hello Sheila, I am recently retired from the finance industry (Banking) after 43 years. I was a carer for both parents for the last 5 years and also spent a lot of time visiting numerous care homes where my parents were placed individually before they passed away over the last couple of years. Would I be eligible to become a CQC inspector?
Dear H, Thank you for your question, I get quite a lot of questions about gaining employment with CQC. I am sure that CQC would be very interested in speaking with you. There...
What advice would you give when training staff in relation to Choking in the care setting?
Hello Sheila, my latest inspection report raises questions about the training of my staff in relation to Choking. Can you give me any advice please?
Dear E, Thank you for your question. CQC has recently launched Learning from Safety Incidents. and one of the areas they raised you will see relates to choking. Issue 6: Caring for people at...Partners with the UK's smartest companies
