IAA Executive Chairman Alan Howson contributed to an interesting and productive event today hosted by the CQC on changes and improvements to regulation, part of an extensive series of engagement events following on from the Dash Review.
The event focussed on proposed changes to CQC Quality Statements and their application across the many sectors CQC regulate; this is no small undertaking given the scope of CQC.
CQC re-iterated their intention to re-focus and improve their relationship with Providers, other key takeaways included:
– the backlog of published reports is now down to single figure
– the number of inspections being undertaken has increased
– improvements in the registration process for new providers
– a slicker approach for existing providers wishing to add new operating bases
– addressing Aged Ratings will form part of the assessment process
This last point, Aged Ratings, is an issue for Providers Rated less than GOOD, despite having supplementary evidence and Action Plans “signing off” by CQC, their Rating remains. This is something the Association has highlighted and will continue to do so until the anomaly is addressed.
There was general consensus across the break-out groups that that a return to sector specific guidance would greatly assist in providing context. and improve consistency across Inspection teams.
CQC will be hosting more workshops, both nationally and regionally, further updates to follow.