Ministers announced on November 6, 2008 that there will be two new improvement and scrutiny organisations from April 2011 - a single body for healthcare services and another body for social work and social care services, including child protection and the integration of children's services. The new bodies will take on work in these areas currently done by:
- Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education (HMIE)
- NHS Quality Improvement Scotland (NHS QIS)
- Social Work Inspection Agency (SWIA)
- The Care Commission
With the exception of independent healthcare regulation, all of SWIA's and the Care Commission's work will be carried out by the new social work and social care services body, Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland (SCSWIS). HMIE's current work leading on the inspection of services to protect children and developing a model of inspection for children's services will transfer to SCSWIS. The work of NHS QIS, plus the regulation of independent healthcare currently carried out by the Care Commission, will transfer to the new healthcare body, Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS).
On May 28, 2009 the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Bill was introduced to the Scottish Parliament. Parts 4 and 5 of the Bill relate to the creation of HIS and SCSWIS. This is the beginning of the Bill's passage through the parliament and the process that now commences is outlined here.