Covert and overt surveillance – next steps on publishing information for public and providers

At the public meeting today (Wednesday, 15 October), the Care Quality Commission Board considered a paper setting out the thinking within CQC in relation to the use of surveillance to monitor care in health and social care settings.

Our Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care, Andrea Sutcliffe, said: "Our thinking on this sensitive issue has been shaped by concerns raised by members of the public and providers who may be considering the use of some form of surveillance but want to do the right thing in difficult circumstances. It is clear that they would appreciate helpful information from us.

"I welcome the debate and discussion led by my colleagues on the Board today. We will take the Board's views into account to make sure that we are responding to the anxieties expressed by people using services, family members, staff and providers."

A final paper which will set out proposals for publishing information about the use of covert and overt surveillance in health and social care settings will be brought back to the next Board meeting in November.

To catch up on today's Board meeting, you can tune in to our YouTube channel here.