A quick self-assessment that checks a sample of key compliance areas to give you an indication of where you stand. For a full, in-depth review across the entire CQC framework, book a mock inspection.
Take the free assessmentA practical checklist covering the key areas the CQC assesses. Use it alongside the readiness assessment to build a complete picture of where you stand.
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15+ years on the front lines of health and social care compliance
A self-audit is a good starting point. Using tools like our free readiness assessment, you can review your own compliance position and identify obvious gaps. It is quick, free, and gives you an immediate indication of where you stand.
The limitation of a self-audit is that it is carried out by people who work within the service every day. Familiarity with your own processes can create blind spots. Things that feel normal may not meet the standard the CQC expects, and without an external perspective, those gaps can go unnoticed until inspection day.
An expert-led audit is an independent, thorough review carried out by someone who knows exactly what the CQC looks for. It includes on-site observation, staff interviews, and a detailed documentation review. The result is an objective assessment and a prioritised action plan.
Because the reviewer is independent, they bring a fresh perspective. They see what internal teams often cannot, from gaps in evidence to practices that have drifted from policy. An expert-led audit gives you the clearest possible picture of how the CQC would view your service today.
Both approaches have value. Start with the self-assessment to understand your baseline and identify the most obvious areas for improvement. Then consider a mock inspection for a complete, independent picture of your compliance position. The combination gives you the best foundation for meaningful improvement.
At least annually, or after significant changes such as a new manager, a new service type, or a poor inspection result. Many providers carry out quarterly self-checks to stay on top of compliance and catch issues early.
A compliance audit reviews your documentation, policies, and governance arrangements against the CQC framework. A mock inspection goes further by simulating the full CQC inspection process, including observation of care delivery, staff interviews, and a review of the lived experience of people using the service.
The most common gaps we see are outdated policies that do not reflect actual practice, incomplete or generic care plans, weak governance and audit trails, limited evidence of staff supervision and training, and poor documentation of incidents, complaints, and the learning that follows.
Yes. Our free readiness assessment is designed for exactly this. It helps you check a sample of key compliance areas and get an indication of where you stand. However, an independent expert review often identifies issues that internal teams miss because of familiarity with their own processes.
You receive a clear picture of where you stand against the CQC framework, along with a prioritised action plan. You can then address the gaps yourself or work with our consultants for hands-on support to close them before your next inspection.
Our mock inspection goes beyond self-assessment. Our consultants carry out a thorough on-site review of your policies, documentation, care delivery, and governance against the full CQC framework, then deliver a detailed report with prioritised recommendations.
Not looking for a full mock inspection? Our service health check is a focused spot check of specific areas, ideal if you want a quick review without a full inspection simulation.
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Our predictions are professional estimates based on assessment responses, our methodology, and publicly available CQC data. They are not official CQC inspections or guarantees of inspection outcomes, and actual results may vary. Orobo Healthcare is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representing the Care Quality Commission. See our Terms of Service for full details.
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