POLICY: Care Inspectorate Staffing Method Framework

The Care Inspectorate is currently looking to design a staffing method framework, as part of new powers outlined in the Health and Care (Staffing) (Scotland) Act 2019. RCN Scotland has welcomed and been involved in this work and we hope that it will lead to the development of evidence based, staffing methodologies for the care sector.

RCN Scotland welcomes the work being carried out by the Care Inspectorate to support social care providers understand and evaluate staffing requirements. We are of the view that it is useful to develop a single Staffing Method Framework for care services but we make it clear that we do not believe that this meets the definition of a staffing level tool as outlined by the legislation. The development of these tools in social care will require further work, but as outlined in RCN Scotland’s 2022 Nursing Workforce in Scotland report, the development of an evidence-based methodology for determining safe and effective staffing in the care home sector is needed as a priority.