THE families and friends of people in care homes are among those being sought by a watchdog to become inspection volunteers.

The Care Inspectorate is looking for people who have first-hand experience to help it police more than 14,000 homes for older people, nurseries and services such as fostering.

Inspection volunteers are members of the public who are using a care service, have used a care service in the past or care for someone like a relative or friend who has used a care service.

They work closely with the regulator's teams of specialist inspectors to help spot where things need to improve.