nspection of social care can seem to be in a state of perpetual reorganization and restructuring. But wherever it is based and whatever its guidance, inspection is set to continue and inspectors must strive to work with the inspected to improve care. This book is based on national research and case studies in six inspection units, and looks at the image and the reality of social care inspection. It tries to bring a human face to what can all too often be a focus of anxiety, fear and negative publicity. It sets out to discover and share: what it's like to be an inspector; what it's like to be inspected; who inspectors are, and who should they be; how they should go about their work; what works well, and what could happen to make things better; what providers think about inspectors and inspection. This work aims to help the inspector and those being inspected to work together to the benefit of the people who use the services.