The Care Quality Commission recently rolled out rather sweeping changes to its inspection system, potentially throwing CQC compliance into question for many. As attention will no longer be exclusively focused on regulatory compliance or non-compliance, it may be necessary to consider refreshing CQC compliance, quality assurance and due-diligence within your organisation.
What’s New?
As of now, CQC inspectors will be carefully and comprehensively considering the following:
- Safety
- Effectiveness
- Quality of Care
- Responsiveness
- Leadership
Along with the new ratings system, inspectors from the CQC will be following a new set of guidelines and key lines of enquiry in order to make their assessments. Specific ratings will be issued not by way of black and white regulation compliance or otherwise, but by way of an intensive evidence-based review carried out by the inspector.
The Importance of CQC Compliance
The CQC both exists and carries out its inspections for one sole purpose – to ensure that the UK’s care-giving industry and community uphold the same standards and practices at the same high level. As is the case with most such regulatory changes, those already doing everything across the board with the utmost professionalism and dedication will essentially have very little to worry about. By contrast, those simply getting by with a process of ticking the minimum number of regulatory boxes may find the new compliance standards more challenging to meet.
In all instances however, it is in the best interests of those concerned to consider speaking to experienced CQC compliance consultants¸ in order to help bring to light any important changes that should/must be made sooner rather than later.
Challenging CQC Reports
One thing that hasn’t changed is the way in which CQC reports can still be challenged for a maximum period of 10 days following the report’s receipt. As all challenges must be based around ‘factual inaccuracies’ it is of crucial importance to collect, collate and clearly present any evidence you feel validates your complaint.
As you really only get one shot at challenging the report after which your rating will be fixed, it’s a process that should be gone about with extreme care and attention. If in any way unsure how to effectively present your challenge, you might want to think about conversing with our CQC compliance experts for essential advice.
CQC Consultant and Consultancy services
Guardian Angels Training and Consultancy offers the highest-level CQC compliance consultancy services, specifically tailored for Registered Care Providers and Registered Managers. Ensuring full CQC compliance when working in a care-provision environment isn’t only about passing inspection, but rather ensuring that the care and level of service offered are both consistently excellent.
This is something that only becomes possible when the entire team knows how to get the job done flawlessly and efficiently on a day to day basis. Ongoing changes in inspection and regulatory systems can make compliance difficult to achieve, which is why it makes so much sense to consult with professionals from time to time.
For more information, get in touch with the Guardian Angels Training and Consultancy team today on 0844 870 4237 or email hello@guardianangelstraining.co.uk.