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Why Review and Preparation for the New Format Inspection is Key

Alan Ford

16/8/2021

Risk Control

“Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance” ~ James Baker, former Secretary of State.
As the country moves towards a ‘new normal,’ the Care sector remains subject to multiple changes and challenges; including the new way the CQC plans to inspect Care businesses.

With this in mind and with inspections now resuming - and under a new format – now is a good time to organise mock CQC inspections to get you ready for that all important visit.

With the majority of Care businesses understandably focussing on COVID-19 prevention measures over the last 18 months, many of our clients are now acknowledging that other areas have slipped down the list of priorities – areas that may be brought to the forefront during inspections. For example, when did you last review your wider Health and Safety arrangements outside of COVID-19 or your staff training requirements? – ‘Safety through learning’ will be one of the core themes of the new inspection strategy.

Our partner company has already arranged mock inspections for many of our clients, at reasonable rates, to ensure they are prepared for when the CQC make their next appointment. This service is also available to non- existing QCG clients too.  

In the current ‘hard insurance’ market, insurer’s appetite is not as healthy as it once was. Given your CQC rating and inspection report hold strong influence over your insurance premium, the need to achieve a favourable result is obvious.

Quality Care Group can work with you to source the best insurance terms possible, but preparation is key. If you currently have a lower rating than you would have hoped for, we encourage that you be proactive - don’t leave it until your policy renewal date to address the situation.

What’s more, if you are a care home anticipating a poor inspection report, our experienced Care consultants can help you formulate and deliver an improvement plan through our Care Support Program.

To quote yet another well-known adage from philosopher Desiderius Erasmus, “Prevention is better than cure,” and we can’t stress strongly enough how important it is to get to grips with new inspection standards sooner rather than later.


For further information or to organise a mock inspection, please get in touch as follows:
Carli Chick (Care Homes) carli.chick@qcaregroup.co.uk or call 01273 424 904
Lauren Early (Domiciliary Care) lauren.early@qcaregroup.co.uk or call 07514 666 755
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