FREQUENTLY ASKED

No. This is an independent consultancy and is not affiliated with, commissioned by or endorsed by CQC. The aim is to help providers test their own evidence and prepare practical improvements.

No consultant can guarantee an inspection outcome or rating. CQC makes its own regulatory judgements. An independent audit can help you identify gaps, prioritise risk and strengthen evidence before scrutiny.

The main focus is domiciliary care: services preparing for inspection, responding to a low rating or action plan, experiencing rapid growth, or wanting an impartial review of compliance systems.

Scope can include:

• CQC compliance and governance systems
• Care documents, plans, risk assessments and daily notes
• Medication records and spot checks
• Staff files, training, supervision and competency
• GDPR, data protection, incidents, complaints and safeguarding

The final sample is agreed before work begins.

All three options can be considered. A focused document audit may work well remotely; spot checks and some whole-service reviews may benefit from onsite work. A blended approach often balances depth, travel and cost.

Explain the deadline in your enquiry. An urgent, risk-focused review may be possible, but availability and a realistic scope must be confirmed. The service will not claim to complete more evidence than the available time allows.

Evidence-transfer, access and retention arrangements are agreed for the engagement. Providers should avoid sending identifiable service-user information through the public enquiry form. Only information necessary for the agreed review should be shared.

Focused reviews typically start from £225. Whole-service audits commonly fall between £650 and £1,750. The final price depends on provider size, locations, sample volume, delivery method, urgency, travel and follow-up needs.

You receive a written scope and quote before work starts.

Typical deliverables are a scope and sample summary, positive practice, evidence-backed findings, risk priorities, an action plan and a closing discussion. Exact deliverables are listed in the written quote.

Timing depends on scope and evidence availability. A focused remote review may be completed more quickly than a multi-location whole-service audit. You will receive an expected audit and reporting timetable before confirming the booking.

Yes. Optional follow-up can include progress check-ins, review of updated evidence or a focused re-audit. The provider remains responsible for operational decisions and completing its actions.