CQC Mock Inspections | Quality Care Group

What is a CQC Mock Inspection?

A CQC mock inspection entails a qualified Mock Inspector undertaking an independent audit of all areas of your business to determine your levels of compliance in line with the CQC's 5 key questions. It essentially mirrors the real inspection.

Why should I undertake a CQC mock inspection?

Ensure you are fully compliant with CQC’s regulations: This is especially pertinent now that the format of inspections has changed and will continue to change into 2023.

Secure the best possible insurance premium: Insurers appetite for Care has declined as has the number of insurers willing to work with the care sector. In some cases, poorly performing care businesses may struggle to secure any insurance at all. Your CQC rating and report will therefore have significant influence over your insurance premium.

Improve your risk portfolio: If you are needing to improve your last CQC rating and are close to your insurance renewal, demonstrating that you are taking risk-mitigating actions such as a mock inspection will work in your favour with insurers.

Help you determine how efficiently you are running your business: Identify where improvements can be made.

Gain an expert, ‘outsiders’ view of how you are doing: relying on an internal perspective can potentially bias your findings.

Allow you and your staff to deal confidently with the real inspection when it happens.

Gain valuable insight and a clear action plan: This can empower any actions required to get you to where you want to be, before the real inspection.

‍What will you get after a CQC mock inspection?

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After a CQC mock inspection, you will get a full report along with ‘Verbal Feedback’ on the day.

How much is the inspection fee?

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Fees depend on many factors, such as the size of the nursing home, the current CQC rating, and the specific things you want us to look at. Existing nursing homes that are ‘in need of improvement’ or ‘inadequate’ require an in-depth review. We can provide a price upon request.

Do I have to be there on the day?

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At the end of the day, we want to give feedback to people who trust us. We encourage managers and leaders to participate on the day of our review. Leaders can go about their daily work, but we need to ask some questions every now and then.

Does the CQC simulation test affect your service?

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We will not interfere with your delivery in any way. All employees can continue their daily work. We can meet them when they are busy. Residents' needs are always considered as most important above all else.

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Our services don't end there. Our partners can further support you after a mock inspection to develop and implement an improvement plan, if required. They can also provide broader consultancy ranging from quarterly audits to work on a specific outcome.

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With the potential financial, health and safety, reputational and legal costs associated with dealing with a poor CQC report, the case for investing in a mock inspection is clear.

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A full inspection of your care home can help identify and resolve problems before the next inspection so you can maintain a "Good", "Excellent" or "#Outstanding" rating.

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Even if your manager already conducts regular reviews, it's important to make sure these reviews are more than just a simple exercise. Missing important issues during an inspection can lead to a lower CQC rating, hampering your ability to attract clients.

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If you're not sure what to look for, the fresh perspective of experienced consultants, often ex CQC inspectors themselves can help solve challenges. Our partners inspectors act as your partner and provide nursing care analytics, including all aspects of nursing care management. They also provide specific recommendations for proper development.

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Whether you're looking to make a complete change to improve your service or simply want to achieve the required CQC standards, we're here to help.

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We had a mock CQC inspection completed through Quality Care Group and received the report and action plan a week later. They look good, are easy to read and understand, I would certainly use them again.

I believe the time spent with Jonathan has been extremely beneficial. I know this exercise has reaffirmed our Registered Managers’ belief in her abilities and boosted her confidence. He was a ‘fresh pair of eyes’ from outside our organisation with lots of relevant experience which he shared with us. I believe he has given us the insight, knowledge, and inspiration to implement the necessary changes.

Nina Clegg, Business Manager

The two days the Mock Inspector spent at the care home was very helpful. He completed all the usual checks that CQC would and in detail, we re-visited our previous Inspection report. An action plan was completed with his input and guidance, and he left me with some very helpful materials to improve our care service, acting in a professional way and respecting everyone's views. The feedback was positive. After the two day inspection, the report we received really helped boost both mine and my team's spirits. Our CQC inspection was due at any time so this made us ready for their visit.

Andrew Greenway

Frequently asked questions

If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for please get in touch, we would be happy to help with your enquiry.

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