From Monday 4 May we will start to roll out a new part of our approach to regulation during COVID-19, our Emergency Support Framework (ESF). The framework will be rolled out across all sectors but will start with adult social care providers 

The Emergency Support Framework provides a structure for the regular conversations that inspectors are having with providers and covers the following four areas: 

It aids our understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on staff and people using services, and where we may need to follow up directly with an inspection, or escalate concerns to regional, and national system partners where they are best placed to address.  

These conversations also provide a forum for providers to talk through any tough decisions they need to take and for inspectors to offer targeted local advice where appropriate. 

Starting from next week, we will be using this insight along with that captured through other channels to report publicly on how services are managing at this time of increased pressure. 

We have published provider guidance which can be found here, this will be developed as we roll out to other sectors and we will be in touch with more information before we start using this approach in your sector.   

Please read the full news story here and our joint Chief Inspector Statement here.