Section 51 – Information and advice
86.Subsection (1) provides that SCSWIS must make available to the public information on the availability and quality of social services. Subsection (2) provides that this information should be made available in any format that may reasonably be requested. Information provided might include details about the location and types of services available as well as the results of SCSWIS's inspections of individual social services.
87.Subsection (3)(a) allows SCSWIS to provide advice to Scottish Ministers at any time, and requires it to do so in response to a request by Scottish Ministers. Subsection (3)(b) requires SCSWIS to provide advice to service providers, service users and carers and their representatives, local authorities, health boards, social service providers or prospective providers, and any other bodies set out in an order made under that subsection, about any aspect of its work. For example, SCSWIS might offer advice to service providers on how to meet any standards and outcomes.
88.Subsection (4) allows SCSWIS to charge a reasonable fee for any advice, forms or documents it provides in connection with its obligations under subsection (3)(b).
