This series of study days was organised by the King's Fund Centre with help and advice from the DHSS and the Centre for Policy on Ageing. It provided an opportunity for members of staff who are responsible for the inspection and registration of homes and the officers in charge of homes to consider together ways in which the statutory staff could and should provide professional support. The aims of the study days were to promote and encourage the exchange of ideas; to identify the needs of staff and management in improving the quality of life for elderly people; and to clarify how exchange of information and communication for staff responsible for residential care of the elderly can be improved.