Commentary on Sections Part 2 - Social Work Services Section 5: Functions of Inspectors
17.Section 5 sets out the functions of SWIs under the Act.
18.Subsection (1) places SWIs under a duty to conduct inspections of and investigations into the provision of social work services and to encourage improvement in the provision of these services. “Social work services” are those services provided or secured by a local authority under the list of enactments specified in section 7(2) of the Act(1).  The Scottish Ministers have power to amend that list by regulations.
19.Subsection (2) provides that an inspection or investigation is to be conducted in accordance with a timetable approved by the Scottish Ministers and any directions issued by them.