Community Mental Health Teams and Community Learning Disability Teams

How we inspect

We carry out these inspections jointly with Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW), ensuring a comprehensive view of both health and social care aspects of service delivery.

Our CMHT inspections are led by HIW, and CLDT inspections are led by CIW.

What We Look At

During our inspections, we assess how well CMHTs and CLDTs:

• Meet the Health and Care Quality Standards (2023)
• Comply with relevant legislation, including:
  • The Mental Health Act 1983
  • The Mental Capacity Act 2005
  • The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014.
• Deliver safe, person-centred, and effective care
• Involve service users and carers in care planning and decision-making
• Provide timely access to services and crisis support
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive care and treatment records
• Work collaboratively across health and social care sectors.

How Inspections Are Carried Out

• Joint Approach: Inspections are conducted by a team that includes:
  • Two HIW inspectors
  • Two clinical peer reviewers (including a Mental Health Act reviewer)
  • Two CIW inspectors.
• Announced Visits: CMHTs are typically given up to 12 weeks’ notice before an inspection and CLDTs are given six-weeks’ notice.
• Evidence Gathering: We review documentation, speak with staff, service users, and carers, and assess the environment and quality of care.

After the Inspection

Following an inspection:

• We publish an inspection report on our website
• Services may be required to make improvements and submit an improvement plan to us
• We may take further action if serious concerns are identified
• We continue to monitor services using information from inspections, the public, engagement with healthcare staff, and other organisations..

If you would like a copy of our inspection workbook please contact hiw.inspections@gov.wales quoting which type of inspection workbook you require.