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Due a CQC Inspection? We’ve put together this overview so that you know what to expect.

What are CQC Inspections?

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) carry out regular checks on health and social care services to ensure they are providing care that is safe, caring, effective, responsive to peoples needs and well-led. Inspections can be comprehensive or focused.

What are they looking for?

The frequency of inspections, type of inspection, size of inspection team and whether or not the service is informed of the inspection, all depends on the type of service. Whether there have been concerns around the service provider or a change in their circumstances will initiate a ‘focused inspection’. A ‘comprehensive inspection’ is where CQC are looking at all five ‘Key Lines of Enquiry (KLOEs), usually, with minimal notice or unannounced, in order to observe care being provided in real time. Inspections are usually carried out for a minimum of one day, but can be longer depending on the type of service, etc.

Inspectors will spend time at your service and will gather information from staff members and gather views and feedback from people who use the service. They will also observe the care being provided, review records and care plans, inspect the place where people are cared for and look at the organisations policies and documents.

CQC gather information about services by reviewing your ‘Provider Information Return’ (PIR). The information you submit is used by the inspection team and includes service and service user information, results of audits, compliments and complaints, details of safeguarding concerns and CQC Notifications etc.

When do CQC Inspections take place and how often?

If you are a new provider, CQC will aim to inspect your service within 12 months of registration.

The first inspection will be a comprehensive inspection and allow you to receive your initial rating.

What support is there for an inspection?

Mock Inspection toolkits can support this process and help you prepare with confidence. Compliance experts can support preparations for CQC inspection by supplying the tools that allow providers to check their service and practices against CQC’s Key Lines of Enquiry (KLOEs).

The toolkits split each KLOE into manageable chunks to help providers showcase what they do well and where areas for improvement are identified and provide clear information on the requirements in order to meet the CQC ratings of Inadequate, Requires Improvement, Good & Outstanding.

The added benefits of a mock inspection.

Providers gain confidence in their services and the care and support they provide and if this is seen by service users, families, staff and stakeholders, creates a positive, supportive, open and transparent culture.  

We all know the famous saying: “Fail to prepare, prepare to fail!”

What next?

Feel confident and prepared in advance, whether your inspection is announced or unannounced. Always strive to be Outstanding!

Contact us to find out how we can help you get inspection ready.