Adapting to the New CQC Inspection Framework: A Guide for Small Social Care Providers

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has introduced a new inspection and regulation framework, aiming to create a consistent, transparent, and outcome-focused approach to assessing health and social care services. For small social care providers, this new regime can bring challenges, coming to terms with changes whilst managing their ongoing business. In this blog post, we provide practical guidance on gathering and maintaining evidence of compliance.

What’s New in the CQC Inspection Regime?

The new CQC framework revolves around the Single Assessment Framework (SAF), which replaces the sector-specific approaches with a unified methodology. Here are some of the key updates:

1. Quality Statements: The previous Key Lines of Enquiry (KLOEs) have been replaced with “Quality Statements”—articulated as “We statements” to clarify expectations for high-quality, person-centred care.
2. Dynamic and Ongoing Assessments: Inspections now follow a rolling assessment model, leveraging real-time risk evaluations and performance data rather than fixed schedules.
3. Evidence Categories: The CQC now uses new evidence categories, including feedback from service users and staff, service outcomes, and observations.
4. Updated Rating System: While the four-tiered ratings (“Outstanding,” “Good,” “Requires Improvement,” “Inadequate”) remain, a new scoring framework aims to improve consistency and transparency.
5. Provider Portal: A new IT system enables providers to upload evidence and access their assessments more easily—though early reports suggest some technical issues with the system.

What Evidence Should Small Providers Gather to Demonstrate Compliance?

To meet the CQC’s updated standards, small social care providers must maintain detailed and organised records of compliance. Here’s a breakdown of the key types of evidence to focus on:

1. Evidence of Safe, Person-Centred Care

• Risk assessments for each service user, updated regularly.
• Detailed, person-centred care plans reflecting individual needs and preferences.
• Incident and accident reports, including safeguarding concerns and resolutions.
• Records of medication administration (e.g., MAR charts) and audits.

2. Feedback from Service Users and Families

• Satisfaction surveys and questionnaires.
• Logs of complaints and compliments, with evidence of resolution and follow-up actions.
• Records of service user engagement in service design and improvement.

3. Staff Competency and Training

• Up-to-date training records for all staff on key topics (e.g., safeguarding, health and safety).
• Supervision and appraisal logs.
• Competency assessments to ensure staff can deliver safe and effective care.

4. Leadership and Governance

• Policies on safeguarding, whistleblowing, infection control, and more.
• Evidence of regular audits (e.g., care plans, medication, safety checks) and action plans.
• Service improvement plans demonstrating how feedback and inspections inform changes.

5. Health and Safety

• Maintenance logs for equipment, premises, and fire safety.
• Records of accidents and incidents, including investigations and prevention measures.
• Evidence of robust infection prevention and control (IPC) measures.

6. Compliance with Legal Requirements

• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks for staff.
• Employment records, including right-to-work checks and contracts.
• Documentation of GDPR compliance and secure data storage.

7. Outcomes and Impact on Service Users

• Records of how services improve the health, well-being, and independence of users.
• Evidence of inclusivity and support for diverse cultural and communication needs.
• Case studies showcasing positive outcomes for service users.

8. Financial and Operational Resilience

• Financial records demonstrating stability and sustainability.
• Staff rosters showing safe staffing levels.
• Contingency plans for emergencies, such as staffing shortages.

How to Stay Prepared for Inspections

1. Be Inspection-Ready: Keep all evidence organized and up-to-date to avoid scrambling during unannounced visits.
2. Engage with Updates: Attend CQC webinars and read guidance to stay informed about the new framework.
3. Utilise Technology: Use digital tools to streamline evidence collection and management.
4. Foster Co-Production: Involve service users in shaping services to ensure they meet real needs.
5. Be Proactive: Regularly review internal processes and implement improvements based on feedback and audits.