The CIW is the independent regulator in Wales, registering (in some instances) and inspecting a variety of care and social service related settings, including adult social care (care homes, domiciliary care agencies etc), children’s homes, childminders, adoption agencies and many more.
Split into three regions, North Wales, South East Wales and South West Wales, the CIW seeks to encourage improvements in adult social care by inspection and registration. In addition to this, they also have enforcement powers as provided under the Care Standards Act 2000 to ensure that the National Minimum Standards are being adhered to.
Whilst inspecting care establishments, the CIW look at quality themes to judge the level of compliance, whether around quality of life, staffing, leadership and management or the environment.