Scotland’s new care watchdog boss has been accused of a “conflict of interest” over his ownership of a nursery. Doug Moodie’s Kidz World in Alloa was also hit with “weak” grades when it was inspected last year by the body he now chairs.
Labour MSP Monica Lennon said: “It seems like a blatant conflict of interest for the new chair of the watchdog that regulates nurseries to himself be a nursery owner. Staff will also no doubt wonder what will happen when the Chair’s nursery is in line for another inspection. The Care Inspectorate must urgently provide reassurances.”
The Inspectorate oversees standards in a range of facilities, including care homes, childminding and nursery services. Moodie was unveiled as the new chair in August after being appointed by Ministers.
The Inspectorate oversees standards in a range of facilities, including care homes, childminding and nursery services. Moodie was unveiled as the new chair in August after being appointed by Ministers.
He was hailed for bringing experience from businesses he had established, including in early years childcare, property management and private equity. Moodie is the “person with significant control” of the business that ultimately owns the Kidz World Nursery, which charges a full day fee of £46.50.
In May last year, the nursery was branded “weak” in all four areas, which covered “care and support”, “environment”, “staffing” and “management and leadership”. The report stated: “Significant improvements were needed to protect children’s health and well being.”
It added: “Some of the areas used by children were well set out and this enabled children to choose how they played and learned. However, we found some areas were unclean, including the changing area.” All areas had improved and received better grades twelve months later.
A spokesperson for the trade union UNISON said: “It’s not just that Mr Moodie has a conflict of interest that worries us. It’s that his role could cast doubt on the impartiality and professionalism of our members by giving the impression that they have a conflict of interest.
“We have questions for the Scottish Government about how this appointment was allowed to go ahead.”
The Care Inspectorate referred the Record to the Government, but said: “The Board chair and members adhere to a code of conduct in which interests must be appropriately identified, declared and managed. The Care Inspectorate will continue to inspect all services.”
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Mr Moodie was appointed following an open and transparent recruitment process based on merit.
“The selection panel was fully aware of Mr Moodie’s early learning childcare interests from the outset of the appointment process and they were satisfied that they could be appropriately managed by Mr Moodie, if and when they arose.
“The Care Inspectorate operates a rigid conflict of interest policy. Mr Moodie will remove himself from discussion on any matters that might be perceived to result in a conflict of interest in relation to his outside interests. This is noted and recorded at the start of every Board meeting of the Care Inspectorate.”
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