History of Scottish Care

SCOTTISH CARE began life in January, 2000, when a large number of single home owners congregated in a Glasgow hotel to discuss the formation of one dedicated organisation to represent their interests. Later in that year all the larger corporate care providers joined Scottish Care and it became a limited company.

The policy making body is the NATIONAL COMMITTEE comprising of a delegate from each of Scottish Care's branches and one from each corporate provider, a corporate provider being designated as a company with more than 10 homes in Scotland. From the National Committee emerged the EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE which assists the management in the day to day running of the company and suggests policies for adoption by the National Committee. The Executive Committee is made up of an equal number of single care home owners and corporate providers.

The company is now regarded as the voice of the independent care sector in Scotland and represents the large majority of all care homes including some from the charity and voluntary sectors. Over the years it has been successful in having the Scottish government institute a National Review Group to examine the costs of care and later to back a Cost of Care Analysis, both of which led to substantial increases in funding.

Representatives of Scottish Care take part in practically all the major care committees set up by the Scottish Executive, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, the Care Commission, the Scottish Social Services Council, etc., and help formulate policy in the areas of registration, inspection, regulation, costs, training, and so on. Currently it is busily engaged in formulating a Quality Framework calculated to attract increased fees from April, 2007, for improved standards of care and comfort.

Annually the company holds a National Conference, Exhibition and Care Awards ceremony on the same day and these have become the highlights of the care sectors year when national politicians and care personnel can mingle and exchange views. The Care Awards acknowledges the dedication of many people to providing top quality care in differing environments throughout the country.

Scottish Care is a not for profit organisation and is dedicated to serve its members to best advantage within the constraints of a modest budget.