The Care Quality Commission is the independent regulator of all health and adult social care services in England. Its website provides information about what people can expect from health and social care providers, as well as results of reports and inspections. These can be searched by name, location or postcode, and are available to download in PDF format. The site also provides additional links to relevant health and social care organisations and information services.
The Care Inspectorate is an independent organisation which regulates, inspects and supports the improvement of care, social work and child protection services in Scotland. The site includes guidance, inspection reports and documents relating to inspection, complaints and enforcement. There are also publications aimed at the public and professionals that can be freely downloaded from the site.
A section of the Guardian newspaper’s website bringing together coverage of freedom of information issues. Includes articles concerning freedom of information in the UK and abroad, as well as links to relevant legislation and guides to obtaining information under the Freedom of Information and Data Protection Acts.
The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has succeeded the Royal Pharmaceutical Society as the regulator for British pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacies. The GPhC’s website explains the work of the Council and makes available committee proceedings, consultation reponses, reports and other materials. Some Royal Pharmaceutical Society publications are available as well as GPhC materials. Searchable registers of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacies are also provided.
The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is an executive agency of the Department of Health. It licenses and monitors medicines and reviews their advertising. Its website provides information about the work of the MHRA; it includes regulatory guidance, regulations, EU directives, consultation documents, newsletters and reports. Topics covered include the licensing of medicines; the licensing and regulation of herbal medicines; the regulation of medical devices; the regulation of nanotechnology; and clinical trials of medicines.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is responsible for food safety and food hygiene throughout the UK. It is a government body, set up by act of Parliament in 2000. The FSA website provides information about research programmes, public consultations, food safety management and enforcement of food standards regulations. Materials available on the site include UK and EU legislation, official guidance, consultation papers, surveys and statistics.
The Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission was established in 2008. It is the Non-Departmental Public Body responsible for child maintenance. Its website provides information on its functions and activities. It includes access to full text press releases, business plans, reports and documents. These include regulations and legislation about child maintenance payments.
The Child Support Agency (CSA) in the UK is part of the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission. It has responsibility for ensuring that parents who live apart from their children contribute financially to their upkeep by paying child maintenance. Its website provides information on its function (including changes to its role introduced with the creation of the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission in 2008). It also includes press releases, annual reports and regulations relating to child maintenance payments.
The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority was set up to regulate the mass supply of workers to the agriculture, horticulture and food processing and packaging industry. The website provides details regarding the compulsory licensing of gangmasters who supply labour to these sectors, with links to legislation and relevant licence application procedures. The site also provides sections for labour providers, labour users and individual workers, outlining rights and responsibilities and giving additional sources of information.
