How to Prepare for a CQC Inspection

1. Understand What Inspectors Are Looking For

The first step in knowing how to prepare for a CQC inspection is understanding what the inspection team is assessing. Under the new framework, the focus is on:

• Safe
• Effective
• Caring
• Responsive
• Well-led

Within these categories are 34 Quality Statements. Each one represents a core expectation of how care should be delivered. Start by familiarising yourself with these statements so you can begin to assess your practice against them.

2. Conduct a Self-Assessment

One of the most effective ways to prepare for a CQC inspection is by carrying out an internal self-assessment. This allows you to:

• Identify gaps in evidence
• Understand your baseline
• Prioritise areas for improvement

Tools like the BAXCQC Compliance platform are designed to support exactly this process – mapping your existing policies, procedures, and practices against the 34 Quality Statements in a clear, user-friendly way.

3. Focus on Evidence, Not Just Activity

It’s not just about what you do, but what you can prove. A common mistake in preparing for a CQC inspection is assuming that good work speaks for itself. It doesn’t. You need:

• Clear documentation
• Links to where evidence is stored (HR systems, patient records, shared drives)
• Named individuals responsible for specific areas

Where possible, avoid uploading documents just for the sake of it. Instead, have a system in place that points inspectors to where evidence lives and how it supports your statements.

4. Involve the Whole Team

Preparing for a CQC inspection is not just a management task – it’s a team effort. Make sure every team member understands:

• The Key Questions
• How their role contributes to compliance
• Where they can find the relevant evidence

Hold regular team check-ins or short workshops to build familiarity and confidence. The more prepared your team feels, the better your inspection is likely to go.

5. Use the Right Tools

Digital tools can massively simplify how to prepare for a CQC inspection. Platforms like the BAXCQC complinace platform allow providers to:

• Track progress visually
• Assign responsibilities
• Maintain version control on key documents
• Build a culture of continuous readiness

Rather than pulling everything together in a panic weeks before the visit, these tools help embed compliance into your everyday processes.

6. Learn from Others

Read published inspection reports from similar providers. Look for patterns in what inspectors praise – or flag as needing improvement. This can give you valuable insights into what to focus on when thinking about how to prepare for a CQC inspection.

Attending webinars, forums, or events like the Best Practice Show can also provide real-time updates and shared experiences from fellow professionals.

7. Prepare for the Day Itself

As inspection day approaches, create a checklist:

• Ensure all policies are up-to-date and easily accessible
• Brief your team on key talking points
• Prepare a short overview of your practice’s strengths
• Have your evidence sources logged and organised

Remember, the inspection isn’t just about ticking boxes – it’s a chance to showcase the great work your team is doing.

8. Stay Ready, Don’t Get Ready

Perhaps the most important piece of advice when considering how to prepare for a CQC inspection is this: don’t treat it as a one-off event. Practices that embed compliance into their daily routines are less stressed and more successful during inspections.

With tools like CQCFIT, preparing for a CQC inspection becomes part of your ongoing practice culture – not a scramble at the last minute.