With the new CQC inspection methodology will I notice any difference when the inspector calls?

In short, yes – under the new CQC inspection methodology, inspectors will be looking to understand your service from the perspective of the people who use it. This means that they will be spending more time talking to service users, their families and carers, as well as staff, and gathering first-hand accounts of what it is like to use your service.

Inspectors will also be looking at how well your service is meeting the needs of specific groups of people, such as those with complex needs or who are vulnerable. This means that they may ask you different types of questions to those you are used to, and that their inspection focus may be different to what it has been in the past.

However, one thing that will not change is that inspectors will still be looking to see if your service is safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led. So, if you have been striving to provide a good service that meets these criteria, you are likely to continue to do well under the new inspection regime.