Another interesting and productive CQC Regulatory Approach event today (the third of four), this time considering how CQC make and maintain judgements – pivotal for determining Ratings.
Ratings will be the subject of the last workshop of these engagement events, but having a sound judgements/decision framework that informs (and can review) Ratings in a consistent manner (in our view) is central to all that CQC stands for.
Key takeaways from today’s workshop included:
– CQC’s return to Chief Inspectors with portfolios provides the framework for a more nuanced approach to Guidance for each sector.
– a need to ensure that the process for arriving at judgements is hard-wired to the Ratings process, particularly for Providers Rated less than GOOD, to ensure that Ratings reflect the real-time situation rather than based on out of date evidence.
– CQC are in conversation with Ofsted on lessons learned from their approach to the timely review of challenges to Ratings
– an acknowledgement that sector guidance should be informed by a wide church of opinion of relevant providers and key stakeholders – NHS, independent and voluntary
– the need to link decision making to the factual accuracy and appeals process.
CQC will be conducting a consultation document later in the year, watch this space!