The OS was formed by a small group of providers who had, at the time, all recently achieved ‘Outstanding’ ratings following the introduction of the CQC (Care Quality Commission) inspection standard ratings in 2014. There was a general consensus between these providers that it would be beneficial to the ASC sector if services were able to share their expertise with other providers and support the driving up of quality across the whole of England.

In 2021 the OS was set up as a Community Interest Company (CIC). This was to provide a platform to share and celebrate best practice whilst helping others to improve and raise the profile of social care.

Our joint vision as Directors is to give providers FREE membership which allows free access to our virtual events, newsletters and podcasts. It provides a platform for all providers to access topical information and will also be a platform to celebrate innovation and share best practice.
We continue to have close partnerships with Care England, Skills for Care, the Care Workers Charity and the DHSC (Department of Health and Social Care) and are recognised as a trade association by the CQC.