Preparing for a CQC (Care Quality Commission) inspection can feel daunting, especially with the introduction of the new Single Assessment Framework and the 34 Quality Statements. Whether you’re new to the process or looking to streamline how your team handles compliance, this guide will walk you through how to prepare for a CQC inspection with confidence.
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:
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.
One of the most effective ways to prepare for a CQC inspection is by carrying out an internal self-assessment. This allows you to:
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.
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:
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.
Preparing for a CQC inspection is not just a management task – it’s a team effort. Make sure every team member understands:
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.
Digital tools can massively simplify how to prepare for a CQC inspection. Platforms like the BAXCQC complinace platform allow providers to:
Rather than pulling everything together in a panic weeks before the visit, these tools help embed compliance into your everyday processes.
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.
As inspection day approaches, create a checklist:
Remember, the inspection isn’t just about ticking boxes – it’s a chance to showcase the great work your team is doing.
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.
If you’re wondering how to prepare for a CQC inspection in a way that’s clear, manageable, and effective, the answer lies in early action, the right tools, and whole-team involvement. With a structured approach and the support of digital platforms, you can turn inspection prep from a burden into a confident, proactive process.