We monitor, inspect and register residential disability services, known as designated centres for adults and children with a disability.
We check that providers have well-run and safe services for residents, and provide person-centred care that respects and promotes people’s dignity and human rights.
During inspection, we aim to meet as many people as possible, including residents and their families. We also speak with members of staff, including the person in charge and the provider or their representative. This gives us an insight into the running of the centre and what it is like for residents to live there.
We register, inspect, and regulate residential disability services
We check that the provider is meeting the regulations (legal rules)
During an inspection, we visit the centre and speak with the people living and working there. Our inspectors review all information about the centre, including any information gathered during the inspection and any information received and use it to inform our work. We want to know that people who are receiving residential care and support:
Learn more about what to expect from a HIQA inspection on our Guide to HIQA Inspections in Disability Services webpage which has our easy-to-read guide and a video.
Open Our Guide to HIQA Inspections in Disability Services webpage (opens new tab)
We publish inspection reports on our website
These reports give information to the public on what it is like to live in the centre and whether a centre consistently provides good care and support. If we find a centre needs to make improvements, the reports include a ‘compliance plan’ which sets out what the provider is doing to improve care and support for residents.
When required, we take necessary action to enforce improvement if a provider is failing to meet their legal responsibilities.
We listen to your feedback
We send surveys or questionnaires to centres before an announced inspection to allow residents to give us feedback on what it is like to live in their centre.
Residents can also complete the survey at any time and send it to us.
Open our resident surveys (opens new tab)
We also meet with residents through forums (or meetings) across the country each year to hear their views.
View the Register
The Chief Inspector of Social Services is required to establish and maintain a register of designated centres. The content of the register is set out in law and includes the information below:
Download the Register (CSV file)
Under the Health Act 2007 (as amended), the Chief Inspector may cancel the registration of a designated centre where providers are not providing a safe service to residents.
In such circumstances, Section 64 of the Health Act 2007 allows for the Health Service Executive (HSE) to assume responsibility for the operation of the centre on an interim basis.
This ensures continuity of care and support for residents until such time as an alternative provider is registered and takes over responsibility and operation of the centre.
We regulate in line with the Health Act 2007 (as amended) and associated regulations: