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- Tasks: Inspect and improve adult care services across Scotland, ensuring high-quality care.
- Company: Join the Care Inspectorate, dedicated to enhancing health and social care standards.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and a pension plan.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while shaping the future of care.
- Qualifications: Relevant qualification at SCQF Level 9 or above required for application.
- Other info: Travel required; costs covered, with opportunities for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 46000 £ per year.
Job Description
Salary: £46,569 – £54,975 plus excellent benefits
Location: Various locations across Scotland
Closing Date: 08:00 on Monday 27 October 2025
Job profile and person specification
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. That’s why our inspectors play such an essential role: working directly with care providers, people experiencing care, and partner organisations to drive up standards, support improvement, and ensure that care is consistently safe, effective, compassionate, and person-centred.
We are currently recruiting for experienced professionals to join our adult services team as inspectors, to fill vacancies in line with our future inspection plans. In addition, we are looking to build our talent pool so we can respond more flexibly to future workforce needs and continue to deliver high-quality scrutiny and improvement support 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.
What the role involves
As an inspector in our adult services team, you’ll play a vital role in supporting better experiences and outcomes for adults and older people across Scotland. You’ll plan and carry out scrutiny and assurance activities in registered care services, working closely with providers, managers, staff, and, most importantly, people experiencing care.
Your work will involve inspecting services, evaluating quality, providing feedback, and supporting improvement. You’ll assess services against the Health and Social Care Standards, highlight good practice, and, where necessary, take regulatory action.
You’ll also contribute to internal learning, support national projects, and collaborate with other scrutiny bodies and the Scottish Government to help deliver the best outcomes for adults and older people using care services.
Listening to people experiencing care is central to how we work. Their voices shape what we focus on and how we support improvement.
What you’ll bring
You’ll have recent experience of supporting the delivery of high-quality care for adults and older people, along with a strong understanding of current developments and the challenges facing the sector. You will bring insight, compassion, and a deep commitment to improving the lives of people experiencing care.
You will have leadership experience from roles such as registered care service manager, deputy manager, social worker, senior practitioner or service lead. This could be through formal management responsibilities or through leading key projects, quality improvement work or strategic developments. We are particularly interested in those with backgrounds in care homes for adults and older people, care at home or housing support services.
You’ll be confident in assessment, critical analysis, and evidence-based decision-making, with the ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both in writing and in conversation. You’ll also bring a strong value base rooted in listening to people and acting on what matters to them.
Qualifications and registration
To apply for this role, you must hold a relevant qualification at SCQF Level 9 or above that enables registration with a recognised professional regulatory body such as the Scottish Social Services Council, Nursing and Midwifery Council, General Teaching Council for Scotland, or Health and Care Professions Council. In addition, your qualification must meet the requirements for Primary Authorised Officer status under the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010. This means it must be directly relevant to social services, social work, health, education, or a related care discipline. If you are unsure whether your qualification meets this requirement, we encourage you to contact us before applying.
If you are registering through the Scottish Social Services Council, you will also be required to 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
The starting salary for this role is fixed at the grade minimum, £46,569 for all new entrants in line with our pay policy. This is not subject to negotiation.
We offer a comprehensive total rewards package, including flexible and hybrid working, generous leave, and a defined benefit pension. Discover the full range of benefits in our total rewards package.
Due to the nature of the role, you must be willing to travel, with some inspections requiring overnight stays. Travel and accommodation costs are covered in line with our expenses policy.
Joining us will allow you to play a vital role in supporting the rights, wellbeing and quality of life of adults and older people across Scotland.
How to apply
To find out more about working at the Care Inspectorate, our recruitment process and our talent pool, please visit our work with us section of the website.
For any further information, please contact our Inspector Recruitment mailbox and we will be happy to help with your query. Please do not call our general phone number or contact centre, as they are intended for general care enquiries and complaints.
Please click here to apply.
The Care Inspectorate is committed to recruiting, retaining, and developing a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. It is vital that we monitor and analyse diversity information to improve how we meet the needs of our applicants and staff. We encourage you to complete the equalities monitoring form at the end of the application process.
The closing date is 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, and we anticipate a start date prior to 26 March 2026 (based on specialism and location) or placed in our talent pool for future vacancies. Please visit how we recruit inspectors page for more information on our talent pool, additional information for registration and the process.
Inspector (Adult) employer: Care Inspectorate
Contact Detail:
Care Inspectorate Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Inspector (Adult)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the care sector, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Care Inspectorate and understanding their values. Think about how your experience aligns with their mission to improve care standards. Show them you're not just a fit for the role, but for their culture too!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As an inspector, you'll need to convey your findings clearly. Try mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable discussing your experiences and insights.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at the Care Inspectorate.
We think you need these skills to ace Inspector (Adult)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience in adult health and social care. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of an inspector, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to communicate your qualifications and experiences, as we appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read.
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for improving care standards shine through! We’re looking for candidates who are genuinely driven to make a difference in the lives of adults and older people, so share your motivation in your application.
Check Your Details: Before hitting send, double-check your application for any typos or errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for the role of an inspector. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
How to prepare for a job interview at Care Inspectorate
✨Know Your Standards
Familiarise yourself with the Health and Social Care Standards before your interview. Understanding these standards will help you articulate how your experience aligns with the expectations of the role and demonstrate your commitment to high-quality care.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your leadership skills and your ability to improve care services. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, making it easier for the interviewers to see your impact.
✨Listen and Engage
During the interview, be sure to listen carefully to the questions and engage with the interviewers. Show that you value their insights and are keen to contribute to a collaborative environment, which is essential in the role of an inspector.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the Care Inspectorate's current projects or future plans. This not only shows your interest in the organisation but also gives you a chance to assess if it's the right fit for you.