Mental Health Act 20266

Functions of Chief Inspector

135. (1) The functions of the Chief Inspector shall be—

(a) to visit and inspect—

(i) every registered acute mental health centre at least once in each registration period of 3 years, and

(ii) every registered community mental health centre at least once in each registration period of 5 years,

(b) to prepare and publish inspection reports in accordance with section 140 ,

(c) to carry out an inquiry in accordance with section 142 , and

(d) to carry out an annual review of mental health services and prepare and submit a report to the Commission in accordance with section 141 .

(2) In relation to a registered community mental health service, the Chief Inspector shall visit and inspect a representative number of those services within the registration period, taking into account—

(a) a geographic area of registration ensuring a balanced representation of inspection across that area,

(b) the level of compliance with this Act and any regulations made thereunder of—

(i) a registered community mental health service, or

(ii) another registered community mental health service with the same registered proprietor or responsible person as subparagraph (i),

(c) whether a number of registered community mental health services have the same registered proprietor or responsible person, and

(d) such other criteria as the Commission considers appropriate.