Inspector (Adults)

Care Inspectorate; Scotland; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A regulatory body for care services in Scotland is seeking inspectors for adult services. The role involves planning and conducting inspections, evaluating quality, and supporting improvements in the care system. Ideal candidates will have strong leadership experience and a commitment to enhancing the lives of care recipients. The starting salary is £46,569, with travel and accommodation costs covered for inspections.

Benefits

Travel and accommodation costs covered

Commitment to diversity and inclusivity

Qualifications

• Recent experience in delivering high-quality care.
• Insight and commitment to improving lives of people experiencing care.
• Experience in care homes or service management preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct scrutiny in registered care services.
• Inspect services and evaluate quality.
• Support national projects for the best outcomes in care.

Skills

Leadership experience

Critical analysis

Communication skills

Compassion

Education

SCQF Level 9 qualification

Job description

Overview

Help shape the future of adult health and social care in Scotland. At the Care Inspectorate, we believe that everyone has the right to high-quality care that supports their choices, respects their rights, and meets their needs. Our inspectors work with care providers, people experiencing care, and partner organisations to drive up standards and ensure care is safe, effective, compassionate, and person-centred. We are recruiting for experienced professionals to join our adult services team as inspectors to fill vacancies in line with future inspection plans, and to build our talent pool for flexible response to workforce needs across Scotland. Join us in shaping a more inclusive and equitable care system. If you’re driven to make a difference, we want to hear from you.

Responsibilities

• Plan and carry out scrutiny and assurance activities in registered care services, working closely with providers, managers, staff, and people experiencing care.
• Inspect services, evaluate quality, provide feedback, and support improvement; assess services against the Health and Social Care Standards; highlight good practice; and take regulatory action where necessary.
• Contribute to internal learning, support national projects, and collaborate with other scrutiny bodies and the Scottish Government to deliver the best outcomes for adults and older people using care services.
• Listen to people experiencing care, ensuring their voices shape focus and improvement efforts.

What you’ll bring

• Recent experience supporting the delivery of high-quality care for adults and older people, with a strong understanding of current sector developments and challenges.
• Insight, compassion, and a deep commitment to improving the lives of people experiencing care.
• Leadership experience from roles such as registered care service manager, deputy manager, social worker, senior practitioner, or service lead, including formal management or leading key projects, quality improvement work, or strategic developments. Experience in care homes for adults and older people, care at home, or housing support services is preferred.
• Confidence in assessment, critical analysis, and evidence-based decision-making, with clear and professional written and verbal communication, and a value base rooted in listening to people and acting on what matters to them.

Qualifications and registration

• Relevant qualification at SCQF Level 9 or above that enables registration with a recognised professional regulatory body (e.g., SSSC, NMC, GTC Scotland, or HCPC). Qualification must meet requirements for Primary Authorised Officer status under the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010, directly relevant to social services, social work, health, education, or related care discipline.
• If registering through the SSSC, you must hold or work towards a relevant practice qualification and complete the Professional Development Award in Scrutiny and Improvement Practice within five years of appointment.

What we offer

• Starting salary fixed at the grade minimum of £46,569 for all new entrants in line with our pay policy.
• Willingness to travel; some inspections require overnight stays. Travel and accommodation costs are covered per our expenses policy.

How to apply

• To learn about working at the Care Inspectorate, our recruitment process, and our talent pool, visit the Work with Us section of the website.
• For further information, contact our recruitment team at [e-mail]. Do not call the general phone number or contact centre, as they are for general care enquiries and complaints.
• Click here to apply.

The Care Inspectorate is committed to recruiting a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We monitor and analyse diversity information to improve how we meet the needs of our applicants and staff; please complete the equalities monitoring form at the end of the application process.

Closing date: 08:00 on Monday 27 October 2025. We anticipate the assessment process will commence from 24 November 2025. Successful candidates may be offered a post immediately, with a start date prior to 26 March 2026 (subject to specialism and location) or placed in our talent pool for future vacancies. For more information, see the how we recruit inspectors page.