1. Mick Feather
Care Business Manager

2. Agenda Equality Diversity Protected Characteristics
CQC Reports and Equality
Hints and Tips
Preparing for an Inspection

3. Equality is not about treating everyone the same
Equality and Human Rights Commission definition: “Equality is about ensuring that every individual has an equal opportunity to make the most of their lives and talents.”
Consider this and reflect on it in relation to things like;
Communication and language
Activities
Meal time experiences
Goals and aspirations
Equality is about treating everyone equally based on their protected characteristics and diversity.

4. Diversity is another word for ‘difference’.
Dictionary definition: “The state or fact of being diverse; difference; unlikeness.
Diversity aims to recognise, respect and value people’s differences to contribute and realise their full potential.
Diversity encompasses all those differences that make us unique.

5. Protected Characteristics
The 9 protected characteristics as defined by the Equality Act 2010 are;
Do you know this information about the people who you support and care for?
Do you request it on the Initial Assessment form?
Do you ask for it formally or informally? Equality Monitoring.

6. CQC Reports and Equality
CQC Inspections will consider how you meet the equality needs of people and staff with these Protected Characteristics.
Safety 1.3 – discrimination/harassment
Caring 1.2 – communication/listening
Caring 1.4 – preferences/personal histories
Caring 3.3 – confidentiality
Caring 3.5 – independence
Responsive 1.2 – care plans
Responsive 3.1 – end of life care
Well-Led 1.2 – open culture for staff
Well-Led 1.3 – staff supported and valued
Well Led 1.6 – values
Transition from one service to another should not affect or impact on people’s protected characteristics.

7. CQC Reports and Equality
Inspectors knowledge levels of equality is varied.
Lack of consistency – i.e. equality does not appear in all CQC reports.
Equality is usually written in the CARING key question or the RESPONSIVE key question.
Comments can be very vague and generic OR very specific.
The weight given to equality whether GOOD or BAD practice is varied and inconsistent.
The level of importance given to equality is not always consistent.

8. Hints and Tips
Are you aware of the protected characteristics of the people who use your service and your staff?
Ensure that staff and managers understand the protected characteristics and understand how it can improve outcomes for people. They can be who they are and you can be sure you are meeting their needs.
Write up your examples of how equality and diversity supports the people in your service, staff and the organisational culture.
Make sure that you have an Equality and Diversity policy in place which outlines your procedures to deal with discrimination and harassment.
See Equality and Diversity as an intrinsic part of everything you do rather than an add on.

9. Preparing for a CQC Inspection
Remain calm – inspectors are human!
Paperwork up to date
If it is not written down, it didn’t happen!
Complete any outstanding analysis of information, trends or patterns

10. Preparing for a CQC Inspection
Record incidents and accidents, analyse and improve
Remind staff about safeguarding, whistle-blowing, consent, mental capacity act etc.
FRA and compliance

11. Preparing for a CQC Inspection
Staff dealing with medication adequately trained
Robust infection control practices in place
Appropriate H&S checks done

12. Preparing for a CQC Inspection
Policies and procedures reviewed and communicated
Staff files complete; including DBS checks
Staff training records up to date
Details of healthcare professionals you work with

13. Questions?