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CQC Inspections in 2025: What’s New and How to Prepare?




As a care home manager, staying on top of CQC regulatory changes is essential for keeping your service compliant and delivering high-quality care. With CQC inspections evolving in 2025, it's time to adapt to new assessment methods, increased use of data, and a stronger focus on tackling health inequalities.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s changing and how you can prepare your care home for the new inspection approach.


What’s Changing in 2025?


1. The New Single Assessment Framework

The CQC is moving away from multiple frameworks and introducing a Single Assessment Framework for all care services. While the core five key questions remain the same, they will now be assessed using quality statements instead of Key Lines of Enquiry (KLOEs).

The five key areas remain:

  • Safe – Are residents protected from harm?

  • Effective – Does care lead to positive outcomes?

  • Caring – Do staff treat residents with kindness and dignity?

  • Responsive – Are services adapted to individual needs?

  • Well-led – Is leadership strong and quality-driven?

Key Action for Care Homes:Familiarise yourself with the new quality statements and align your policies, procedures, and evidence collection accordingly. (Source: The Access Group)

2. A More Data-Driven Approach

The CQC will no longer rely solely on scheduled inspections but will continuously monitor care services using real-time data, feedback, and digital records.

Key Action for Care Homes:

  • Use digital tools to track and manage incidents, medication administration, and feedback from residents and families.

  • Ensure records are accurate, up to date, and easily accessible for CQC assessors.

  • Regularly review data to spot trends and proactively address concerns.

3. A Bigger Focus on Health Inequalities

The CQC is prioritising efforts to reduce health inequalities, ensuring residents of all backgrounds receive fair and equal care.

Key Action for Care Homes:

  • Assess your residents’ diverse needs (e.g., cultural, religious, dietary, communication).

  • Train staff in equality, diversity, and inclusion.

  • Improve access to healthcare for vulnerable groups.


How to Prepare Your Care Home for CQC Inspections in 2025


1. Conduct Regular Self-Assessments

Action: Review your service against the new quality statements and carry out mock inspections to spot gaps before the CQC does.

2. Gather Continuous Feedback from Residents and Families

Action: Introduce regular satisfaction surveys and create a culture where staff, residents, and families feel comfortable raising concerns.

3. Keep Policies and Training Up to Date

Action: Ensure all policies reflect current best practices and new CQC expectations. Provide ongoing training for staff to maintain high standards.

4. Maintain Robust Record-Keeping and Incident Management

Action: Implement a digital incident reporting system (like LFPSE-based frameworks) to track medication errors, safety incidents, and safeguarding concerns efficiently.

5. Stay Informed on Regulatory Updates

Action: Subscribe to CQC newsletters, attend industry webinars, and engage with other care home managers to stay ahead of changes.


Final Thoughts


CQC inspections in 2025 will be more data-driven, consistent, and focused on health inequalities. Care homes must proactively adapt to these changes by improving self-assessments, record-keeping, and staff training.

Stay ahead by preparing now—your care home’s success depends on it.

For further insights on CQC regulations, check out:

 
 
 

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