
Understanding the New CQC Assessment Framework and How to Achieve Outstanding
This Course takes place nationwide, providing you with a unique and memorable training experience. The event takes place from 9:30am-4:00pm and your booking includes the course itself, lunch and refreshments on the day, and a full bank of training resources to take home.
Course Agenda
📘 1. Introduction to the CQC
Who they are. What they do. Why it matters.
- Welcome & course overview
- The history and evolution of the CQC
- Understanding registration: who must register and why
🧭 2. Pre‑Inspection Preparation: Evidencing Compliance
Build strong, inspection‑ready evidence.
- Overview of the CQC inspection model
- The 11 Fundamental Standards
- The 5 Key Questions (Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive, Well‑led)
- Mapping the Fundamental Standards to the 5 Key Questions
- Creating and using an Evidence Matrix
- What good evidence looks like for each Key Question
📑 3. The Single Assessment Framework (SAF)
Understanding the current model before the transition.
- What the SAF is and why it was introduced
- “I” and “We” Statements explained (34 Quality Staements)
- How the 5 Key Questions link to regulations & Fundamental Standards
- Evidencing compliance through “We” Statements
🔮 4. The Future: Sector‑Specific Assessment Frameworks
A new era of structured, sector‑tailored regulation.
Each new framework includes:
- The 5 Key Questions
- Structured Questions (new Key Lines of Enquiry replacing Quality Statements)
- Rating Characteristics for Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement & Inadequate
- “I” Statements from the Making It Real framework to keep lived experience central
🔍 5. Conducting Effective Mock Inspections
Practice like an inspector.
- Understanding SOFI (Short Observational Framework for Inspections)
- How to conduct observational audits & reviews
- Using CQC inspector methodology and guidance
- Identifying gaps and improvement opportunities
🏥 6. On the Day of Inspection
Present your service at its best.
- First impressions and professional presentation
- Showcasing good practice and positive outcomes
- Meeting the inspection team
- Housekeeping expectations for staff
📊 7. After the Inspection
What happens next — and how to respond.
- Immediate team debrief
- The 48‑hour factual accuracy process
- Understanding how ratings are determined
- Inspection frequency and influencing factors
- Navigating the draft report
🏆 8. Achieving Outstanding
Practical strategies to elevate quality.
- What Outstanding looks like in practice
- Sharing and embedding best practice
- Using the CQC website and resources effectively
- Building a culture of continuous improvement
