The voices of islanders who rely on care services – and those of their families and providers – have played a central role in shaping Jersey’s newly updated adult social care standards.
The Jersey Care Commission, the island’s independent healthcare regulator, published the revised standards following a full public consultation carried out last year.
The review marks the first major update since the standards were originally introduced in 2019 and is intended to ensure regulation keeps pace with changing expectations, legislation and real-life experience.
The Commission said the changes were informed not only by professional and regulatory expertise, but by the lived experiences of islanders and their families who rely on care services.
Care users, relatives, charitable organisations and providers were all consulted as part of the process.
Chief inspector Becky Sherrington said modern regulation had to go beyond simply enforcing rules.
“Modern independent regulation is about far more than just setting rules, it’s about listening, learning and continually improving,” she explained.
“Alongside legislation and professional expertise, the experiences of care providers and the people who use care services play a vital role in shaping what good care should look like.
“Updating the standards is an important way that we can help to ensure that expectations remain high, care remains person-centred, and Islanders can have confidence in the services they receive.”
When someone you love relies on care, you really understand how important clear standards are
Trudy Robinson, care user
As part of the review, the Commission spoke directly to care users and their families, including Trudy Robinson, who highlighted how clarity and consistency in expectations can make a real difference for families navigating the care system.
“When someone you love relies on care, you really understand how important clear standards are,” she said.
“They help reflect the expectations of care users and provide clear guidance for care providers to follow.
“Sharing personal experiences is one way we can celebrate good care and also share where it could be improved, to make sure everyone receives the safe and kind care they deserve.”
The Adult Social Care Standards were first published in 2019 and provide the framework against which care services are regulated and inspected in Jersey. They apply to services provided by the government, parishes, private providers and the voluntary sector to ensure islanders receive high-quality and safe care.