Compliance in adult social care is at a turning point. Across England, Scotland and Wales, the past year has brought change, challenges and plenty of learning. As we look toward 2026, the picture is brighter: reform, digital innovation and transparent assessment, inspection and rating systems are setting the stage for a stronger, more resilient sector.
England: Building confidence through collaboration
In England, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has faced scrutiny as providers navigated the new Single Assessment Frameworks and inspection processes. Confidence has been tested, but the future is looking brighter.
Key developments:
- Simplifying quality statements and inspection frameworks
- Emphasising collaboration and cultural change within the CQC
- Moving toward proportionate and supportive regulation that providers can rely on
The direction of travel is encouraging, clearer guidance, predictable assessments and a focus on collaboration promise a more stable environment for providers and service users alike.
In 2026, these reforms could create a system where regulation feels less like an obstacle and more like a partner in improving care quality.
Scotland: Putting people at the heart of digital transformation
Scotland is taking a complementary approach, leveraging digital technology to transform adult social care. The Care Inspectorate’s self-evaluation tool for embedding a rights-based approach to digital social care provides a practical roadmap.
What the tool emphasises:
- Technology should enhance independence, well-being and rights, not complicate care
- Involving service users, families and staff in evaluation and decision-making
- Identifying gaps and strengths to inform actionable improvement plans
Digital social care is about better experiences, better outcomes and more person-centred care.
In 2026, Scotland could become a model for rights-based, digitally enabled social care, showing how thoughtful innovation benefits everyone.
Wales: Transparency driving improvement
In Wales, Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) has introduced a new ratings system for care homes and domiciliary support services, producing encouraging results in its first seven months.
Highlights:
- Over 92% of ratings across well-being, care and support, environment and leadership were excellent or good
- Providers welcomed the transparency and clarity that ratings provide
- Full implementation is planned by autumn 2026, followed by an independent review to drive further improvement
Transparent, supportive inspections give providers the confidence to focus on continuous improvement and excellence.
This approach is fostering a sector where good practice is recognised, challenges are addressed constructively and outcomes for service users are at the centre of high quality care.
A UK-wide perspective: Towards a smarter, more resilient sector
Taken together, these developments signal a sector across the UK that is evolving in exciting ways:
- England: Developing a new regulatory framework through collaboration, will provide clarity and guidance to facilitate a stable assessment and inspection process
- Scotland: Digital innovation is enhancing rights-based, person-centred care
- Wales: Transparent ratings are supporting improvement and excellence
The common thread: A focus on people and outcomes. Reflection, collaboration and thoughtful innovation today are laying the groundwork for a stronger, more resilient social care sector tomorrow.
Looking forward: Join the conversation
The future of social care depends on all of us working together, providers, regulators, staff and the people who use services. Share your experiences, embrace innovation and stay involved in shaping a sector that works for everyone.
Get involved: What changes are you most excited to see in social care by 2026? Share your thoughts with your network or your local provider community. Together, we can build a stronger, smarter and more person-centred social care system.
To learn more about compliance across the UK, explore CareLineLive’s latest eBook, From Confusion to Confidence: Conquering Compliance in Home Care.
