Get ready for your CQC inspection

There is no fixed inspection schedule. The CQC uses a risk-based approach, which means services rated Requires Improvement or Inadequate are typically inspected more frequently. Services rated Good or Outstanding are inspected less often, but an inspection can still happen at any time, particularly if the CQC receives concerns or if information suggests a change in the quality of care.

The CQC looks for evidence across five key questions: is the service safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led? During an inspection, they observe care and treatment being delivered, talk to staff and people using the service, and review records and documentation. They are looking for evidence that good practice is embedded into everyday operations, not just written into policies.

Yes, many providers prepare successfully on their own. However, external support can be valuable for identifying blind spots that are difficult to see when you are working within the service every day. Self-assessment tools like our free readiness assessment are a good starting point for understanding where you stand before deciding whether you need additional support.

A readiness assessment checks your compliance position through documentation review and self-reporting. It gives you an overview of where you stand across the CQC framework. A mock inspection is a full simulation of the CQC process, including observation of care delivery, staff interviews, record reviews, and environmental checks. It provides a more detailed and realistic picture of what an inspector would find on the day.

Ideally, preparation should be ongoing. Good compliance is not something you switch on before an inspection. It should be part of your daily operations all year round. If you have a specific concern or reason to believe an inspection is approaching, start focused preparation as early as possible. Even a few weeks of targeted work on your weakest areas can make a significant difference to your outcome.