I have just heard from QCS that inspections are changing from 1 October. Could you please tell me the key changes I should be concentrating on?

Sheila Scott
Answered by Sheila Scott

It is true that there is to be a new methodology for inspection from October.

The first pilot of the new system was completed earlier in the year and the second pilot has just concluded. There has been widespread consultation in the sector about the proposals during the last year.

What I can tell you now is that the focus of the inspection from October will be on the outcomes for people who use your services and this has been a feature of the pilots.

The following are the major changes that are being proposed:

Provider Information Return (PIR).  For those of you who remember AQAA then you will have some idea of what this will look like. You will be expected to submit the PIR annually and in time you will be able to update any changes that you want to. More about this when the final form is published.
The five key questions against which inspectors will form a judgement of your service will be:

  • Is it safe?
  • Is it effective?
  • Is it caring?
  • Is it responsive?
  • Is it well-led?

A quality rating system will be introduced; the rating levels will be:

  • Outstanding
  • Good
  • Requires improvement
  • Inadequate

This is the most basic outline of the proposals. You can read more by looking at the attached set of slides, they are a good introduction to the proposals. If you want to read more, visit the CQC website HERE or read the guides prepared by QCS HERE.

About Sheila Scott

Sheila Scott OBE from National Care Association (NCA). Care is Sheila’s life; she possesses a strong command of the issues facing the care sector informed by her long career as a nursing professional, the owner and manager of a care business and as a leader in the care sector. 3. Read more

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