CQC inspection checklist

How to use this checklist

The Single Assessment Framework assesses services against quality statements grouped under the five key questions. For each item below, ask two things: is this happening in practice, and can you evidence it? Inspectors triangulate what you say, what records show and what people experience — a tick on paper without the records to back it up will not hold.

Safe

Inspectors look for evidence that people are protected from avoidable harm and that risks are managed openly.

• Safeguarding policy is current, staff can describe how to raise a concern, and referrals are recorded and followed up
• Recruitment files are complete: identity checks, references, employment history and DBS checks at the right level
• Medication records are accurate, with regular audits and clear action when errors occur
• Incidents and accidents are logged, investigated and used to learn — with duty of candour applied where required
• Infection prevention and control audits are up to date, with cleaning schedules and outbreak plans in place
• Premises and equipment safety checks are current: fire safety, water safety, gas, electrical and servicing records

Effective

Care must achieve good outcomes and be based on current evidence and best practice.

• Care plans are person-centred, reflect assessed needs and are reviewed regularly with the person and their family
• Consent and mental capacity assessments are documented, with best-interests decisions recorded where needed
• Staff receive an induction, role-specific training and regular supervision and appraisal
• Nutrition and hydration needs are assessed and monitored, with referrals to professionals when concerns arise
• The service works with GPs, district nurses, social workers and other professionals — and records that contact

Caring

Inspectors observe and ask whether people are treated with kindness, dignity and respect.

• Staff can describe how they protect privacy, dignity and independence in day-to-day care
• People and their families are involved in decisions about care, and their views are recorded
• Feedback — compliments and complaints — is gathered, responded to and acted on
• Advocacy support is offered where people need help expressing their views

Responsive

Services must meet people's individual needs and adapt as those needs change.

• Care is planned around personal preferences, routines, culture and communication needs
• Activities and community engagement are meaningful, not tokenistic
• Complaints are easy to raise, acknowledged promptly and resolved with a clear record of outcomes
• End of life care planning is in place where relevant, recorded sensitively and reviewed
• Reasonable adjustments are made for people with a learning disability, autism or sensory needs

Well-led

Leadership, governance and culture run through every rating. This is where many services fall down.

• A registered manager is in post (or an application is progressing) and leaders are visible in the service
• A documented audit cycle covers care records, medication, safeguarding, health and safety and infection control
• Governance meetings happen on schedule, with minutes, actions and follow-up
• Statutory notifications to CQC are submitted correctly and on time
• Staff say they can raise concerns freely, and whistleblowing is supported in practice
• There is an honest, current improvement plan — leaders know the service's weaknesses and are acting on them
• The Statement of Purpose is accurate and reflects the service actually being delivered

Before the inspection

Pull your evidence together into a live file rather than assembling it at the last minute. Brief your team on the questions inspectors typically ask — safeguarding, consent, raising concerns — and consider an external mock inspection to find the gaps familiarity hides. Services that know their weaknesses and can show an honest action plan are in a far stronger position than those that claim none exist.