Care Sector Information - Wales

Regulatory bodies

• Social Care Wales came into being in April 2017, replacing the Care Council for Wales. It ensures that the workforce delivering social care services in Wales is regulated and working to a high standard.
• The Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) is responsible for the inspection and regulation of childcare, social and non-health care for adults and children, and local authority social services in Wales.
• The Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) is responsible for the inspection and regulation of Welsh NHS services (including Welsh NHS funded care) and independent healthcare services in Wales.

The Social Care Induction Framework for Wales (SCIF) was replaced by the All Wales Induction Framework for Health and Social Care (AWIFHSC) in 2017. AWIFHSC supports a common understanding to induction in social care in Wales. Regardless of whether they are employed full time, part time, sessionally or as a volunteer, the AWIFHSC should be completed by any social care worker who is:

– New to the care sector
– New to an organisation
– Undertaking a new role

This All Wales Induction Framework is designed for social care workers and healthcare support workers . It covers care and support for adults, and children and young people. It provides a structure for a common induction in health and social care across Wales and outlines the knowledge and skills new workers need to gain in the first six months of employment. To make sure it meets the needs of both parts of the sector, a new section has been added on health and well-being.

CareTutor offers a range of training courses for both the Home Care and Care Home sectors, all of which comply with the AWIFHSC.

More information about the All Wales Induction Framework for Health and Social Care can be found in the Social Care Wales document AWIFHSC Intro and Guidance.

The Social Services Well Being Act (2014)

The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 provides the legal framework for improving the well-being of people who need care and support, as well as carers who need support. It underpins the All Wales Induction Framework (AWIF) for health and social care, ensuring that new care workers develop the knowledge, skills, and values required to deliver person-centred care. The Act promotes a rights-based approach, emphasising voice, control, and partnership working, which are key principles embedded within the AWIF to support high-quality practice in the sector.

The fundamental principles of the Act are:

Voice and control – putting the individual and their needs, at the centre of their care, and giving them a voice in, and control over reaching the outcomes that help them achieve well-being.

Prevention and early intervention – increasing preventative services within the community to minimise the escalation of critical need.

Well-being – supporting people to achieve their own well-being and measuring the success of care and support.

Co-production – encouraging individuals to become more involved in the design and delivery of services.

You can find out more about the Social Services and Wellbeing Act, such as regulations, code of practice and statutory guidance on the Social Care Wales Website.