Ever walked into a care home, residential service or social care facility and wondered, “Who’s ensuring this is safe and up to standard?”. That’s exactly where the Social Care Standards Authority (SCSA) comes in.Founded in 2018, SCSA is Malta’s national regulator for social care services. In simple terms, its role is to protect service users and their families and to raise standards across the sector so quality care isn’t a bonus, but the minimum standard. But what does SCSA do?Licensing social care servicesBefore a social care service can operate, it must obtain a licence. And this isn’t just paperwork. Providers are assessed to ensure they can meet required standards from day one. Licences are not permanent they are monitored, reviewed, renewed and can be suspended or revoked if standards are not met.Ongoing monitoring and inspections Regulation does not stop once a licence is issued. SCSA carries out regular monitoring visits and inspections, following up where improvements are needed. The focus is always on continuous improvement and safer, better-quality care for service users.Setting clear, public standardsSCSA issues Social Regulatory Standards outlining what quality care should look like — from safeguarding and dignity to rights, staffing and leadership. It also provides easy-read guides, helping service users and families understand what they are entitled to and what a proper service should deliver.Investigating concerns and complaintsIf something does not feel right, SCSA provides a clear way for concerns to be raised and investigates them with safeguarding, dignity and wellbeing front and centre. Members of the public can also contact the Authority directly on 2549 4345.Bottom line? SCSA is the independent watchdog helping ensure social care services in Malta are safe, accountable and truly person-centred. Want to learn more about the Authority’s work? Visit the SCSA Facebook page.Tag someone you know is interested•