The move, which means providers no longer have to register with Ofsted before taking on local authority contracts, was made under a controversial provision in the Deregulation Act 2015, which became law in March.
Until now, providers of social work services had to meet a number of requirements set by Ofsted including vetting checks, interviews, and a visit to the proposed premises.
Latest data from Ofsted shows that there are currently just five independent providers, commissioned to provide social care services, but numbers are expected to grow following moves by the previous coalition government to encourage outsourcing within children’s social care.
The British Association of Social Workers (BASW) said it is concerned about a possible expansion of outsourcing and is critical of the decision to remove independent providers from regulation.
Nushra Mansuri, professional officer at BASW, said it represented a “laissez-faire approach” to independent providers.
“Appropriate checks and balances need to be applied to whoever is providing services to vulnerable children,” she said.
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