Mock CQC Inspections: A 2-Day Comprehensive Approach by Consultants 24
At Consultants 24, we specialise in helping care providers across the UK meet and exceed CQC compliance standards. As part of our service portfolio, we conduct CQC mock inspections to prepare organisations for real CQC assessments. While a mock inspection can be completed in one day, we recommend a two-day inspection for a thorough evaluation. Below, we outline our two-day process to ensure maximum compliance and readiness.
Day 1: Understanding and Observation
Step 1: Initial Briefing and Documentation Review
Objective: Understand the organisation’s structure, current compliance status, and key risk areas.
Process:
Meet with management and key staff for an introductory briefing.
Review critical documents such as policies, risk assessments, staff training logs, and service user care plans.
Cross-check documentation against CQC’s Single Assessment Framework and relevant 34 quality statements.
Step 2: Environmental Audit
Objective: Assess the physical environment for safety, cleanliness, and accessibility.
Process:
Conduct a site tour to inspect facilities such as bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and communal areas.
Identify hazards, check infection control measures, and review fire safety protocols.
Ensure facilities are compliant with Health and Social Care Act (2008) regulations.
Step 3: Staff and Management Interviews
Objective: Evaluate the team’s understanding of CQC standards and compliance requirements.
Process:
Conduct structured interviews with managers, care staff, and ancillary staff.
Explore topics like safeguarding procedures, staff training, incident reporting, and understanding of CQC’s 5 key questions: safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led.
Step 4: Observation of Care Practices
Objective: Assess the quality of care being delivered.
Process:
Observe staff interactions with residents and the general atmosphere of the service.
Review care routines to ensure they align with person-centered care principles.
Note staff responsiveness to service users’ needs, emotional support provided, and their adherence to care plans.
Step 5: Initial Feedback
Objective: Share preliminary findings to enable quick corrective actions.
Process:
Provide verbal feedback on observed strengths and areas requiring improvement.
Outline actions needed before Day 2 to address immediate risks or non-compliance issues.
Day 2: Analysis, Testing, and Reporting
Step 1: Deep Dive into Records and Processes
Objective: Examine operational and clinical records for consistency, accuracy, and compliance.
Process:
Analyse records related to safeguarding, incident management, and audits.
Scrutinise care plans for individualisation, risk management, and regulatory alignment.
Check staff rotas for evidence of adequate staffing and skill mix.
Step 2: Evidence-Based Testing
Objective: Evaluate whether the service meets CQC’s evidence requirements.
Process:
Collect evidence for CQC’s 6 evidence categories, including people’s experience, staff feedback, observation, and outcomes.
Test staff knowledge through spot questions on emergency procedures, medication handling, and governance processes.
Step 3: Service User and Family Feedback
Objective: Understand service users’ and their families’ experiences.
Process:
Conduct confidential interviews with residents or service users (if applicable).
Gather feedback from family members about the quality of care and responsiveness of staff.
Use this feedback to assess the Caring and Responsive domains of the CQC framework.
Step 4: Governance and Leadership Assessment
Objective: Examine the organisation’s leadership, accountability, and improvement strategies.
Process:
Review governance structures, including audits, meeting minutes, and leadership roles.
Assess the implementation of lessons learned from past incidents.
Validate the effectiveness of quality assurance processes and staff engagement.
Step 5: Audits: Food Hygiene, Mealtime Observation, and Activity Observation
Objective: Evaluate how well the service promotes safety, nutrition, and meaningful engagement.
Process:
Food Hygiene Audit: Inspect kitchen facilities, food storage, and meal preparation processes to ensure compliance with Food Standards Agency (FSA) guidelines.
Mealtime Observation: Observe a mealtime to assess the quality, presentation, and appropriateness of food, as well as staff interaction with residents during meals.
Activity Observation: Monitor activities provided to residents, focusing on inclusivity, participation, and the alignment of activities with residents’ interests and needs.
Step 6: Comprehensive Report and Action Plan
Objective: Provide actionable insights for achieving compliance and excellence.
Process:
Present a detailed written report outlining findings for each of the 5 key questions.
Highlight areas of good practice and recommend tailored actions to address non-compliance.
Offer a mock rating using CQC’s Good, Outstanding, Requires Improvement, or Inadequate scale.
Why Choose Consultants 24 for Mock Inspections?
Our inspections are designed to give providers a realistic preview of their CQC performance while empowering them to improve and excel. With a two-day format, we deliver a thorough evaluation that leaves no stone unturned.
Stay tuned for more insights and best practices to keep your service compliant and deliver outstanding care. Contact Consultants 24 today for a personalised consultation!
