‘New’ CQC inspection framework – Pre-Inspection Audits Support from PMQA – Michelle Wright Quality Assurance and Improvement Manager

Me and My role Quality Assurance and Improvement Manager: Responsible for supporting services across CFA in developing and improving QA systems (including audit), support for inspection and peer review and general service improvement initiatives to support Directors and their Services. Background: District Audit/Audit Commission – Audit of Financial Statements, Grant Claims, Performance Indicators/Data Quality and Use of Resources (CAA) Manager of the Internal Audit Team for the County Council Asked by Derrick Biggs to work with his Service to support them on the work they had begun prior to CQC inspection under the new regime. ‘Expert’ in Audit, not a practitioner!

The work of ASC Provider Services Checklist designed by Allen Briscoe and Jane Bates and used to direct audit, which was undertaken on one setting prior to inspection. (KLOE, Evidence, Actions), received good feedback from CQC; Other managers within the service (Kim Lacey and Emily Wheeler) have used the checklist to check each others services. Accompanied Emily on a visit; worked with the team to design an action plan to take themes arising from the reviews forward.

What we learnt The ‘power’ of inspection: Helpful to replicate the ‘surprise’ of inspection – helps prepare staff for the experience, but with a friendly face, positive feedback from staff on site; Reviewing requirements and comparing to ‘what you know’ about the practice will struggle to replicate what can happen at inspection – ‘the inspector’s curse’ Useful to have someone independent of the service, both as more likely to ask novel questions, and fulfil ‘critical friend’ role.

Themes arising from reviews Documentation – ‘if it’s not written down it didn’t happen’ ‘how does someone know what to do if it’s not written down?’– welcome to the mind of an inspector!; Documents, policies and guidance are only one part of the story;. Everything in one place (where possible); Evidencing Service User Involvement. Involving Staff and Service users in the inspection process.

What next? What we’re doing next Collating themes from reviews to produce a prioritised service wide action plan; Awaiting feedback from CQC with view to streamlining/prioritising audit checklist; What can the Provider Forum do next? Are you undertaking any similar work that you are happy to share/discuss? Could you support each other by undertaking ‘peer’ inspections? Has anyone been inspected under the new regime and have any learning to share?