25 Point CQC checklist for Mock Inspection Readiness

21 min read

25 Point Mock Inspection CQC Checklist for Care Home Readiness

For any registered provider, CQC readiness is not a one off project. It is the day to day ability to evidence safe, effective, caring, responsive, well-led practice, and to show that quality assurance is part of normal governance. A structured mock inspection helps you spot gaps early, reduce inspection anxiety, and turn compliance activity into measurable improvement.

This article is written for care home owners, registered managers, deputies, seniors, and quality leads. It is designed for MyQA clients and any provider who wants a practical, hands on approach to adult social care quality assurance. Use it as a 25 point checklist to run an internal mock inspection, to prepare for CQC readiness, or to build a clear post inspection action plan.

How to use this checklist in a mock inspection

Set scope and dates, decide whether the mock is announced or unannounced, and which service type is in scope, for example residential, nursing, dementia, or complex needs.
Collect evidence, policies, audits, care records, staff files, training reports, maintenance logs, minutes, complaints, and quality improvement plans.
Triangulate, check that what people say, what records show, and what you observe all match.
Sample smartly, pick a representative group of people, including new admissions, high risk needs, and people with complex medicines.
Score and act, rate each point as strong, requires improvement, or urgent risk, then assign actions, owners, and timescales.

Point 1. Statement of purpose, registration, and service delivery match

Start with the basics. CQC expects your registration details, statement of purpose, and what you actually deliver to align. A common weakness is where the service has evolved, for example increased acuity or dementia specific care, but governance documents have not been updated. Check that regulated activities, locations, conditions of registration, and named individuals are accurate and reflected in operational practice.

Statement of purpose is current, accessible, and describes who you support and how.
Registered manager status is correct and clear in communications.
Notifications are understood, tracked, and submitted on time.
Capacity, staffing model, and skill mix match your assessed needs.

Point 2. Quality assurance framework is defined, active, and evidenced

A mock inspection should prove that quality assurance is not a binder on a shelf. CQC looks for governance that finds risk, acts on it, and learns. Confirm you have a schedule of audits, defined owners, reporting lines, and evidence of actions completed. Your framework should cover clinical, care, environment, workforce, and experience of people using the service.

Annual quality development plan with measurable aims.
Audit calendar, completion rates, and follow up actions.
Evidence of learning from incidents, complaints, and feedback.
Board or provider oversight, where relevant, with challenge and support.

Point 3. Evidence of a positive, open culture and duty of candour

Inspectors will test whether people feel safe to speak up. In your mock, interview staff across roles and shifts. Ask how they raise concerns, whether whistleblowing is understood, and whether they have confidence leaders will respond. Check that duty of candour processes are in place for notifiable safety incidents, including apology, explanation, and documentation.

Staff can describe whistleblowing routes and confidence in follow up.
Duty of candour policy is understood by leaders.
Incidents show transparent communication with people and families.
Freedom to speak up and safeguarding escalation are visible and used.

Point 4. Risk assessment is person centred, current, and drives care planning

CQC will check whether risks are assessed, reviewed, and translated into actions that staff follow. In your sample, look for falls, pressure risk, nutrition, choking, skin integrity, mobility, behaviour, self harm, infection risk, and smoking. Each risk should have a clear plan, and reviews should match changes in needs.

Risk tools are appropriate and interpreted correctly.
Triggers for review are defined, for example hospital admission or new medicine.
Care plans include practical steps, not only generic statements.
Staff can describe how they manage risks day and night.

Point 5. Safeguarding systems are robust and consistently applied

Safeguarding is a key area in any inspection. Test knowledge of the local authority safeguarding process, who to contact, and internal escalation. Review safeguarding logs, outcomes, and learning. Check mental capacity considerations, restrictive practices, and whether staff can explain what constitutes abuse, neglect, and organisational abuse.

Safeguarding training is current and role appropriate.
Concerns are recorded with clear timelines and actions.
Referrals made promptly where required, with follow up.
Learning is shared, for example in team meetings and supervision.

Point 6. Mental Capacity Act and consent are embedded in daily practice

CQC will look beyond forms. In your mock inspection, check whether staff understand consent, capacity, best interests, and least restrictive options. Review decision specific capacity assessments and best interest decisions. Confirm that documentation is completed when required and that day to day practice reflects it, for example choices, routines, and privacy.

Consent is recorded for care, medicines support, and information sharing.
Capacity assessments are decision specific and time specific.
Best interest decisions include relevant people and are well evidenced.
Restrictions are justified, reviewed, and reduced where possible.

Point 7. Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards or Liberty Protection arrangements are managed

Where people are under continuous supervision and not free to leave, legal safeguards must be considered. In your mock, cross check care notes, dependency levels, door security, and one to one arrangements against authorisations and applications. Ensure conditions are followed and reviewed, and that people and families are informed.

Clear register of applications, authorisations, renewals, and conditions.
Evidence of least restrictive practice, for example enabling access to outdoors.
Conditions are actioned and recorded.
Staff understand what to do if restrictions change.

Point 8. Person centred care planning, life history, and outcomes are visible

CQC expects care to be built around the person, not tasks. In your sample, look for life history, preferences, cultural needs, communication style, and meaningful activities. The strongest evidence shows outcomes, for example improved sleep, fewer falls, better hydration, reduced anxiety, and maintained independence.

Care plans reflect what matters to the person and their goals.
Reviews show involvement of the person and, where appropriate, family.
Daily notes link to care plans and show responsive changes.
Activity plans are personalised, not generic.

Point 9. Medicines management is safe, legal, and consistently audited

Medicines are a high risk area and frequently drive inspection outcomes. Test the full pathway, ordering, receiving, storage, administration, recording, disposal, and errors management. Sample MARs, controlled drug records if applicable, PRN protocols, allergy documentation, and competence assessments for staff.

MARs are complete, legible, and coded correctly with explanations.
PRN medicines have clear protocols and review dates.
Controlled drugs are stored, recorded, and checked as required.
Medication errors are investigated, reported, and learned from.

Point 10. Health needs are monitored and escalated promptly

Mock inspect how the service identifies deterioration and responds. Look for evidence of timely GP contact, community nurse referrals, falls follow up, wound care plans, and hospital discharge management. Check whether staff use relevant tools, for example soft signs, NEWS where applicable, pain assessment, and monitoring plans.

Clear escalation policy and out of hours arrangements.
Documented clinical observations and actions taken.
Hospital transfers include accurate information and medication lists.
Follow up after appointments and discharges is recorded and acted on.

Point 11. Nutrition, hydration, and mealtime experience meet needs and preferences

CQC will observe mealtimes and speak with people. Your mock should include observation of support, dignity, choices, and adapted equipment. Check MUST or equivalent screening, dietician input, fluid charts, fortified diets, supplements, and weight monitoring. Ensure cultural and religious needs are included.

Screening is completed on admission and reviewed as required.
Care plans specify texture, support level, and preferences.
Mealtime environment is calm, supportive, and respectful.
Actions for weight loss, dehydration, or poor intake are clear and timely.

Point 12. Falls prevention and post fall learning are effective

Falls are common and expected, but CQC focuses on how you manage them. In your mock, check falls risk assessments, footwear, environmental hazards, mobility aids, sensor use, and referral to physiotherapy or OT. Review post fall checks, head injury guidance, family communication, and patterns analysis.

Falls are recorded with time, location, cause hypothesis, and injuries.
Post fall actions are consistent and include monitoring and escalation.
Trends are reviewed monthly with actions, for example equipment changes.
People are supported to stay active safely, not restricted unnecessarily.

Point 13. Pressure area care and wound management are strong

Inspectors often sample skin integrity documentation and talk to staff about prevention. In your mock, check repositioning schedules, pressure relieving equipment checks, skin assessments, body maps, wound photographs where appropriate and consented, and tissue viability referrals. Confirm that documentation reflects what staff actually do.

Waterlow or equivalent is accurate and reviewed after changes.
Turning charts, if used, are completed and meaningful.
Equipment is in place, maintained, and matched to assessed risk.
Wounds show clear measurement, staging, treatment, and review.

Point 14. Infection prevention and control is embedded, including outbreak readiness

IPC is both a quality and safety issue. Mock inspect hand hygiene practice, PPE availability, cleaning schedules, laundry process, waste disposal, and sharps management if relevant. Check isolation practices, cohorting plans, outbreak procedures, and communication routes with public health and commissioners.

IPC audit completed regularly with actions and re-audit.
Staff demonstrate correct hand hygiene and PPE use.
Cleaning schedules are signed, checked, and quality monitored.
Outbreak pack is ready, with clear roles and escalation steps.

Point 15. Environment, maintenance, and safety checks are complete

The physical environment influences safety, dignity, and independence. Review fire safety systems, water safety, electrical safety, lifting equipment, beds, call bells, secure storage, and accessibility. Inspectors will look for evidence that checks are completed on time and that issues are fixed quickly. Walk the building and note hazards.

Fire risk assessment is current, actions are tracked, drills are recorded.
Legionella and water temperature monitoring is completed as required.
Hoists, slings, and lifts have LOLER checks and clear labelling.
Repairs log shows reporting, prioritisation, completion, and verification.

Point 16. Staffing levels, dependency, and skill mix are safe and evidenced

CQC wants assurance that staffing is sufficient and flexible to meet needs. In your mock, review dependency tools, rotas, acuity changes, use of agency, supernumerary management time, and response to peaks, for example admissions or night time needs. Compare planned staffing with actual staffing and the impact on care delivery.

Dependency assessments inform rota planning and are reviewed.
Contingency plans cover sickness, outbreak staffing, and escalation.
Call bell response times are monitored and improved where needed.
Skill mix supports clinical needs, dementia support, and supervision.

Point 17. Recruitment is safe, with full pre-employment checks

Safe recruitment is a frequent compliance breach. In your mock, sample staff files across roles. Check application history, identity, right to work, DBS status, references, employment gaps, qualifications, and interview notes. Confirm that any risk assessments for staff starting before DBS outcomes are robust and reviewed.

DBS checks are in place and risk assessed if pending.
Two references are obtained, verified, and reviewed for concerns.
Job descriptions match duties and include safeguarding responsibilities.
Induction is completed before unsupervised work where required.

Point 18. Induction, training, and competency systems are effective

A training matrix alone is not enough. CQC will test competence in practice. In your mock, check that staff complete Care Certificate standards where relevant, and that training includes practical competency assessment, for example medicines, moving and handling, catheter care, diabetes support, or PEG where applicable. Ensure training is refreshed and evaluated.

Training matrix is accurate, up to date, and includes agency expectations.
Competency assessments are documented and repeated periodically.
Supervision supports development, wellbeing, and safe practice.
Staff can explain key procedures confidently and correctly.

Point 19. Supervision, appraisal, and reflective practice are consistent

Well-led services can show that staff are supported, challenged, and developed. Sample supervision records for different roles and shifts. Look for discussion of practice, incidents, safeguarding, wellbeing, and performance objectives. Confirm appraisals are completed and linked to training and service priorities.

Supervision schedule is followed, including for nights and weekends.
Records show reflection and agreed actions, not only attendance.
New starters receive early supervision and probation reviews.
Managers can evidence how concerns are addressed fairly and promptly.

Point 20. People’s experience, feedback, and complaints drive improvements

CQC will ask people and relatives about their experience and how issues are handled. In your mock, review complaints policy, response times, outcomes, apologies, and learning. Check resident meetings, surveys, and community engagement. Evidence should show that feedback leads to specific changes, and that you close the loop by telling people what improved.

Complaints are logged, investigated, responded to, and signed off.
People know how to complain and feel listened to.
Survey results are analysed with an improvement plan.
Learning is shared, for example changes to staffing, menus, or activities.

Point 21. Equality, dignity, privacy, and human rights are actively protected

This point should be tested through observation and conversation. In your mock, check how staff knock and wait, how personal care is delivered, how confidential information is managed, and whether people can make choices about routines. Review how protected characteristics are respected, including culture, language, sexuality, gender identity, and faith.

Privacy practices are observed, including doors, curtains, and respectful language.
People have choice about bedtimes, bathing, clothing, and visitors.
End of life wishes and spiritual needs are recorded and respected.
Information is stored securely and shared appropriately.

Point 22. Responsive care, including admissions, transfers, and discharge planning

Responsiveness includes how well you assess and admit people, respond to changing needs, and support transitions. In your mock inspection, sample pre-admission assessments, including needs, risks, funding, and equipment. Check transition documentation for hospital admissions and discharges. Confirm that people receive the right support quickly after any change.

Pre-admission assessment is thorough and realistic about needs.
Care plans are in place promptly after admission and reviewed.
Discharge summaries are actioned, including medicines changes.
Communication with families is timely and recorded.

Point 23. Dementia support and communication practice are personalised and skilled

Where dementia or cognitive impairment is part of your service, inspectors will look for understanding of distress, meaningful engagement, and communication approaches. Mock inspect whether staff use life history, consistent routines, validation approaches, and activity planning that reduces distress. Check sensory needs, signage, and environmental cues.

Care plans include triggers, early signs of distress, and de-escalation strategies.
Staff can describe how they communicate with the person effectively.
Meaningful activity is evidenced daily, not only on an activities schedule.
Environment supports orientation, safety, and independence.

Point 24. End of life care is compassionate, coordinated, and well documented

End of life care is a key indicator of caring and responsive services. In your mock, check advance care planning, DNACPR documentation management, preferred place of care, and involvement of palliative care teams. Confirm symptom management plans, hydration and nutrition discussions, family support, and after death care procedures. Ensure staff understand how to respect choices and dignity.

Advance care plans reflect the person’s wishes and are reviewed.
DNACPR forms are valid, appropriately stored, and communicated.
Anticipatory medicines processes are safe and compliant where used.
Bereavement support and communication are compassionate and recorded.

Point 25. Leadership, oversight, and continuous improvement are clear and credible

Well-led is often where ratings are won or lost. Your mock inspection should test whether leaders understand performance, risks, and culture. Review governance minutes, action plans, audit outcomes, staff engagement, and improvement projects. Inspectors look for honesty about weaknesses, evidence of change, and a learning culture. Your service should be able to explain, in plain language, what you are working on and why.

Clear structure, roles, and accountability from provider to frontline.
Risks are logged, reviewed, and mitigated with realistic timescales.
Audits lead to measurable improvements, with re-checking built in.
Leaders are visible, approachable, and proactive about quality.

Turning findings into an action plan that stands up to scrutiny

After you complete the 25 points, capture a summary that a regulator would recognise. List your top risks, your strongest evidence, and what you have already improved. Then build a simple plan with actions, owners, deadlines, and proof of completion.

Immediate safety actions, anything that poses harm risk today, fix first and record what changed.
Root cause analysis, avoid repeating issues by addressing process and training, not only reminding staff.
Evidence folder, keep inspection ready evidence organised, such as audit outcomes, meeting minutes, learning logs, and improvement tracking.
Re-audit dates, show that you check whether improvements work.

Common mock inspection evidence sources to pull quickly

Quality and governance meetings, provider visits, and action trackers.
Audit schedule and completed audits, including re-audits.
Staff training matrix, competency records, supervision, and appraisal.
Medicines audits, error logs, MAR samples, fridge temperatures, and stock checks.
Safeguarding log, incident log, accidents, falls, pressure area monitoring.
Maintenance and safety certificates, fire drills, water safety monitoring.
Complaints, compliments, surveys, resident and relative meeting notes.
Care plan samples with reviews, risk assessments, and daily notes.

How MyQA helps providers strengthen readiness fastest

Across adult social care quality assurance, the fastest gains tend to come from consistency and follow through. Small daily habits, like leaders checking records on the floor, closing audit actions, and coaching staff in the moment, quickly become visible in inspection evidence. If you want to accelerate progress, focus on the areas that most often drive inspection concerns, medicines, documentation quality, staffing assurance, and governance action closure.

Final mock inspection tip

Run your mock inspection like CQC would, but manage it like a supportive internal review. Ask clear questions, observe real practice, and always triangulate. When you find gaps, document them, fix what you can quickly, and then evidence the improvement. That combination, honest identification, timely action, and proof, is what strong care home readiness looks like.