Being prepared for the CQC Single Assessment Framework and Understanding the 2026 sector specific updated Approach

Prepare your service for the biggest shift in CQC regulation in a decade

The Care Quality Commission is transforming its regulatory model throughout 2026 — and every provider will be affected. This intensive, evidence‑led course gives leaders, managers, and compliance professionals the clarity, tools, and confidence needed to stay inspection‑ready as the Single Assessment Framework is replaced.

This course runs 10:00am-4:30pm and includes the training day, a bank of training resources and materials to take home, plus lunch and refreshments throughout the day.

Receive a free Audit guide aligned to the 2026 new Assessment Frameworks when attending the course.

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

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