With the lack of confidence found in the CQC methods in current reports, service providers are left fumbling in the dark for information. According to a 2024 report, it is estimated that 1 in 5 services that the CQC have power to inspect, have never received a CQC rating. Further, services are not being reinspected, meaning some are stuck in the lower ratings without a view of increasing it.
This does not mean that services are not working to improve, but with the messy guidance and lack of confidence, it can become a labyrinth of information. Alium can help you understand the processes, support you through business organisation to have a stronger relationship with the mechanisms.
As seen in data provided by CQC, the number of inspections have dropped from almost 23,000 in 2016 to about 8,000 in 2023. The minimal increase from 7,711 inspections carried out in 2020 during the pandemic, shows that the body are struggling to catch up to the post-pandemic need.
The decline can somewhat be attributed to the change in CQC’s operational strategy, however, as the new processes do not alter the investigation and enforcement powers, it is hard to attribute the complete decline on this change.
In an industry where safeguarding and quality practice takes precedence, the lack of momentum to amend the decline has caused anxiety amongst care service providers. Financial pressures, alongside concerns from service users’ friends and families can result in a tough situation for providers.
The key is preparedness. Alium can support you to the position where you are equipped with the confidence and knowledge to have the relevant information gathered and processes in place to be prepared for an inspection – ready to achieve excellence always.
