Preparing for the new Care Quality Commission (CQC) assessment

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) started using a new way of checking care services in November 2023. It’s called the Single Assessment Framework (SAF).

It looks at how safe, caring, well-led, effective, and responsive your service is. The information here will guide you on preparing for the next CQC Assessment.

How Can Your Organisation Get Ready for the New CQC Assessment?

1. Learn About the New CQC Assessment Framework

• The new framework still use the same 5 key questions (Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive, Well-led).
• They now use “quality statements” to show what good care looks like.
• CQC checks evidence in 6 ways – like feedback from people, data from care, and how staff feel.
• Keep checking the CQC website for updates, as the new system is being rolled out in stages.

The new SAF framework uses “quality statements” to explain what good care is. The CQC will look at six types of evidence, such as feedback and outcomes, to assess care. It’s important to keep up with any updates on the CQC website to understand the new rules.

2. Check Your Own Service

• Use the quality statements (safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led) to review how your service is doing. Do this together with the 34 “we statement”.
• Write down what’s going well and what needs improving.
• Collect proof – such as staff feedback, care results, and complaints.
• Talk to your staff and people who use your service to hear their thoughts.

Perform a thorough self-assessment by conducting a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats). Ask people you care for and your staff for their opinions. Look at what they say to figure out what’s working well and what needs fixing.

3. Organise Your Records

• The CQC now looks closely at the data you give online.
• Make sure your records are correct and up to date.
• Keep track of things like staff training, accidents, and care results.
• Use the data to show that your service is always improving.

Monitor key performance indicators like patient outcomes to understand improvement made.

4. Train Your Team

• Teach your staff about the new framework and how inspections work.
• Conduct mock inspections so they know what to expect.
• Help build a team culture where everyone feels happy to share problems and ideas.
• A strong and open team is key to good care.

Conducting mock assessments will your service get used to the process and promote a culture where everyone feels comfortable reporting issues and making improvements.

5. Work with Others

• Ask people who use your service and their families what they think.
• Use their feedback to improve your services.
• Talk to partners like local councils or other services to make sure you’re working together.
• Your leaders should be ready to explain what you do well and where you’re improving.

It’s very important to get feedback from the people who use your service, their families, and carers. If your organisation is part of an Integrated Care System (ICS), make sure you’re working towards the same goals as your partners. Teamwork helps everyone give better care.

6. Follow Sector-Specific Advice

• Every type of service is different (e.g. care homes, GP surgeries).
• Check what the CQC says for your type of service.
• Show how your service is learning and trying new things – like using new tech or care ideas.

The new CQC rules (SAF) apply to everyone, but different services have different needs.

For example, care homes, GP surgeries, and hospitals may have their own rules to follow. Look at the CQC’s advice for your type of service. Show how your team is using new ideas or better ways of working to give great care.

7. Get Ready for the Visit

• CQC might check your service online before visiting in person.
• Be ready for both.
• Keep your documents organised so you can share them quickly.
• Plan how you’ll respond to the CQC’s report once they give you feedback.

Make sure all your records and proof are tidy and easy to find. This helps the cqc assessment go smoothly and quickly.

8. Learn from Others

• Look at feedback from services that were inspected early.
• See what they did well – and what you can copy.
• Compare yourself to other services with good ratings.

Look at feedback and stories from care services that have already had the new CQC check. See what top-rated services are doing well. This can help you find good ideas and see where your own service can do better.

Top Tips

✅ Start now – good preparation takes time.
✅ Ask for help from groups like Skills for Care or the Local Government Association.
✅ Stay flexible – the CQC might still make small changes to the process.

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