Arlene has worked in social care for over twenty years, worked on the frontline, managed care homes, led strategic programmes, held senior operational role, and now runs her own consultancy and research organisation. 

This analysis draws on that twenty-year perspective to examine what has changed in the registration expectations of both the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England and the Care Inspectorate (CI) in Scotland.

Arlene Bunton, director at Mac Research and Consultancy Limited, examines the major forces shaping the care home sector across the UK, with particular focus on Scotland and England, where divergent policy trajectories, regulatory frameworks, and market dynamics are producing markedly different landscapes for providers and the people they serve.

The Employment Rights Act 2025 changes are now live - are you confident your care business is fully compliant?

With new legal responsibilities now in effect for UK employers, our Partner @Citation, provides 24/7 expert HR and Health & Safety support to help you stay compliant, reduce risk and save valuable time.

Fire Safety in Care Homes, What Providers Need to Know. 

Join Our Expert Webinar This Wednesday at 12:30.

In this interview for Buyacarehome, Arlene speaks candidly about what drives her, why 

evidence-based practice matters more than ever, and what she’s learned from twenty years 

of pushing for better in one of the most challenging, and most rewarding, sectors there is. 

March 2026 offers a useful reflection point for the care home sector, where activity continues against a backdrop of evolving market dynamics.