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CQC Compliance Checklist for UK Hospitals (2026) — Single Assessment Framework Guide
Everything UK hospitals need to prepare for CQC inspection under the Single Assessment Framework — complete checklist, evidence requirements, and preparation guide.
The CQC's Single Assessment Framework has changed how UK hospitals are inspected. With 1 in 4 hospitals receiving a 'Requires Improvement' rating in 2025, preparation is more critical than ever. This guide provides a complete CQC compliance checklist for 2026.
CQC Single Assessment Framework: The Basics
Under the new framework, CQC assesses services against 5 key questions, each with specific quality statements:
1. Safe
- Safeguarding systems and processes
- Infection prevention and control
- Medicines management and optimization
- Safe management of the environment and equipment
- Assessing and responding to risks to safety
- Staff recruitment and safe deployment
2. Effective
- Evidence-based care and treatment
- Monitoring outcomes and effectiveness
- Consent to care and treatment
- Staff support and competence
- Nutrition and hydration
3. Caring
- Involving people in their care
- Treating people with dignity and respect
- Independence, choice, and control
- Emotional support and empathy
4. Responsive
- Person-centered care planning
- Service delivery and improvement
- Listening to and involving people
- Equity in access and outcomes
- Planning for the future
5. Well-led
- Governance and management
- Leadership and culture
- Quality and safety improvement
- Working in partnership
- Sustainability and accountability
CQC Inspection Preparation Checklist (100+ Items)
| Category | Item | Evidence Required |
|---|---|---|
| Safe | Safeguarding policy up to date | Policy document, training records |
| Safe | DBS checks for all staff | HR records, DBS certificates |
| Safe | Infection control audit completed | Audit report, action plan |
| Safe | Medicines management audit | Audit results, SOPs |
| Safe | Equipment maintenance logs | Service records, calibration logs |
| Effective | Clinical audit programme | Audit schedule, reports |
| Effective | Staff appraisal records | Annual appraisals, PDPs |
| Effective | Consent policy and forms | Signed consent forms, policy |
| Caring | Patient feedback collected | Survey results, action plans |
| Caring | Complaints log and responses | Complaints register, response times |
| Responsive | Care plans person-centered | Sample care plans, reviews |
| Responsive | Equality and diversity policy | Policy, training records |
| Well-led | Governance framework | Board minutes, committee structure |
| Well-led | Risk register maintained | Risk register, mitigation plans |
| Well-led | Staff engagement survey | Survey results, action plan |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the CQC Single Assessment Framework?
- The CQC Single Assessment Framework, introduced in 2023, is the new inspection methodology for all CQC-regulated services. It uses a consistent set of quality statements across all service types, replacing the previous Key Lines of Enquiry (KLOEs) system.
- How often are CQC inspections?
- CQC inspections frequency depends on the service's rating and risk assessment. Services rated 'Good' or 'Outstanding' may be inspected every 2-5 years, while those rated 'Requires Improvement' or 'Inadequate' face more frequent inspections, typically within 6-12 months.
- What are the 5 CQC key questions?
- The 5 CQC key questions are: Are services Safe? Are services Effective? Are services Caring? Are services Responsive? Are services Well-led? Each is assessed against specific quality statements under the Single Assessment Framework.