Independent buying guidance
Regulation 44 Visitor Costs and What Is Included
A Regulation 44 quote is only comparable when you know what happens before, during and after the monthly visit. Check independence and suitability first, then compare the complete recurring cost and continuity arrangements.
What a monthly fee may include
A per-visit price may cover only attendance or may include preparation, evidence sampling, conversations, report writing and follow-up. Ask how long is allowed for each part and whether the price changes for distance, larger homes or additional concerns.
- Review of information supplied before the visit.
- Time at the home and appropriate engagement with children and staff.
- Written report, recipients and agreed turnaround.
- Follow-up of previous actions and urgent escalation where required.
Costs that may sit outside the headline
Travel time or mileage, VAT, additional visits, aborted visits, extensive safeguarding follow-up and handover to a cover visitor may be separate. Ask for a realistic annual estimate as well as the per-visit amount.
Continuity, cover and cancellation
Agree how absences will be covered, how a substitute's independence and suitability will be checked and what notice applies if either party ends the arrangement. A cheap arrangement that leaves monitoring gaps can create more risk and management work.
Protect independent judgement
The commercial agreement should not limit the visitor's ability to raise concerns or reach evidence-based conclusions. Clarify conflicts of interest, confidentiality, access to records and the process for correcting factual errors without suppressing professional judgement.
Ask the visitor to itemise
- Preparation, on-site time and report-writing allowance.
- Travel, mileage, VAT and any regional surcharge.
- Report turnaround and factual-comment process.
- Action follow-up and communication between visits.
- Additional or aborted-visit charges.
- Cover, handover, notice and termination arrangements.
Common questions
Is there a fixed national fee for Regulation 44 visits?
No. Fees are commercial and may vary by location, scope, travel and the visitor's arrangements. Compare the full recurring cost and service specification.
Should I choose a visitor based on price?
Price is one factor. The provider must also consider the person's independence, relevant experience, approach to children, reporting quality and capacity to provide continuity.
Are travel and reports always included?
No. Ask for written confirmation. Headline prices can be misleading when travel, VAT or report writing are charged separately.
Important
CHH provides independent information and an enquiry route. It does not set consultant fees, provide statutory accreditation or guarantee availability, registration, inspection results or consultancy performance. Carry out your own due diligence and agree terms directly.
Define the scope before you compare the fee
A short, specific brief makes quotations easier to compare and helps avoid paying for work you do not need.
Ask CHH about consultant support