Currently, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) only has authority to investigate issues within adult social care when a service user is receiving certain "regulated activities," such as personal care or medication administration. This limited remit leaves individuals in non-regulated care settings vulnerable, as incidents of neglect or harm cannot be formally investigated by the CQC if a regulated activity is not involved.

 

This gap in the CQC's oversight creates significant risk for countless vulnerable adults who, despite depending on care services, lack the same level of protection as those in regulated care activities. Adults in care should not have to rely on technicalities around "regulated activities" to ensure their safety and accountability from providers.

 

By expanding the CQC’s authority to investigate all cases of suspected neglect within adult social care, Parliament can ensure a consistent level of protection for all individuals relying on these services. This change would address critical safety concerns and provide much-needed accountability, so that no one is left unprotected by the system.

 

Who Are the Vulnerable Adults in the UK?

A vulnerable adult is defined as someone over the age of 18 who may require additional support to maintain their well-being. Vulnerable adults are at heightened risk of neglect or harm when oversight is inconsistent

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England oversees health and social care services, including hospitals, care homes, and GP practices, with the goal of ensuring quality standards and protecting vulnerable people. However, certain groups and settings fall outside of the CQC’s direct jurisdiction, and estimates suggest that tens of thousands of vulnerable people might be affected by this oversight gap. Here are some main areas where vulnerable individuals might fall outside the CQC’s scope:

1. Supported Living and Housing: While the CQC regulates personal care in supported living settings, it often lacks oversight over the accommodation and broader support services provided to people in supported housing, such as individuals with disabilities or mental health needs.

2. Social Support Services: Many community support services, like day centers or some types of outreach programs, fall outside CQC oversight if they do not provide regulated activities like personal care. This can leave some vulnerable individuals, including older adults and those with mental health needs, at risk.

3. Private and Informal Care: Informal care arrangements, including care from family members or friends, are not regulated by the CQC. Although crucial for many vulnerable people, these arrangements do not benefit from formal oversight or standards, which can lead to neglect or substandard care in some cases.

4. Private Clinics and Non-Medical Services: Private clinics offering non-medical services (e.g., cosmetic treatments, some mental health counseling, and certain rehabilitation services) may not require CQC registration if they don't provide regulated health activities.

 

Exact figures on how many people fall into these unregulated gaps are challenging to determine. However, it is clear that many vulnerable individuals face potential neglect or lack of adequate care due to these jurisdictional limitations, sparking ongoing debate about the need for broader regulatory oversight to fill these gaps.

 

●How many people are affected by adult safeguarding?

There were an estimated 587,970 concerns of abuse raised during 2022-23, an increase of 9% on the previous year, which is the same annual growth rate as last year.

 

Your signature can help:

 

1. Protect All Vulnerable Adults: Extend oversight so that everyone in care, regardless of setting, has equal protection from neglect and abuse.

 

 

2. Hold All Care Providers Accountable: Ensure every care provider meets essential standards of safety and quality.

 

 

3. Advocate for Dignity and Fairness: Support a future where no adult has to rely on technicalities to feel safe.

 

Signing this petition is a step toward a fair, safe, and dignified care system for everyone.