CQC Self-Assessment Checklist

CareHutOS

CQC Compliance Platform for Domiciliary Care

CQC Self-Assessment Checklist 2026

Agency: _________________________________ Date: _____________

Completed by: __________________________ Role: _____________

How to use this checklist: Tick each item you can confirm is in place. Leave blank if not yet achieved. Count your ticks and use the scoring guide below. Aim for 32/32 before any CQC inspection.

🛡️ 1. Safe — Medication & Risk CQC Key Question 1 · 4 items

All care staff have completed medication administration training within the last 12 months

MAR/training log

Risk assessments are completed for every service user at care plan review

Care plan files

Safeguarding procedures are documented, current, and all staff have read and signed them

Policy register

Medication errors are recorded, reviewed, and actioned within 24 hours with a root cause note

Incident log

⚡ 2. Effective — Care Planning & Training CQC Key Question 2 · 4 items

Care plans are reviewed at least every 12 months (or after a significant change)

Review dates

All staff hold a current DBS check (renewed every 3 years minimum)

DBS register

Mandatory training matrix is complete with no overdue items (first aid, manual handling, fire safety)

Training matrix

Outcomes from care are documented and demonstrate evidence-based practice (NICE guidelines)

Outcome records

💛 3. Caring — Dignity & Person-Centred Care CQC Key Question 3 · 4 items

Service users and/or their representatives are involved in writing and reviewing their care plan

Consent records

Annual satisfaction surveys are completed with results reviewed and acted upon

Survey results

Dignity and respect policy is in place and staff can describe how it applies in practice

Policy + spot check

Personal preferences (cultural, dietary, communication) are documented in each care plan

Care plan check

🔄 4. Responsive — Complaints & Flexibility CQC Key Question 4 · 4 items

A complaints log is maintained with resolution timescales and outcomes documented

Complaints log

All complaints are acknowledged within 3 working days and resolved within 28 days

Log timestamps

The agency can accommodate short-notice changes to care schedules (±24 hours)

Rota records

Easy-read / accessible care information is available for service users with communication needs

Resource folder

🏆 5. Well-led — Governance & Oversight CQC Key Question 5 · 4 items

A named Registered Manager is in post and CQC registration is current with no outstanding conditions

CQC portal

A quality assurance audit is completed at least quarterly covering medication, care planning, and incidents

Audit schedule

Staff supervisions are completed at least every 6 weeks with records held on file

Supervision log

A Service Improvement Plan (SIP) is in place and reviewed at senior management meetings

SIP document

💊 6. DSCR — eMAR & Digital Medication Management DSCR Requirement · 4 items

An approved digital MAR chart (eMAR) system is in use for all service users receiving medication support

System access

eMAR data is backed up daily and accessible in the event of a system outage (offline mode or print backup)

IT/backup policy

All staff using the eMAR system have completed system-specific training in the last 12 months

Training log

eMAR audit reports are reviewed monthly by the registered manager for missed or late administrations

Monthly report

📱 7. DSCR — Digital Care Planning DSCR Requirement · 4 items

All care plans are held in a DSCR-compliant digital system (not paper-only)

System check

Care workers can access care plans on a mobile device while providing care

App/portal access

Updates to care plans are visible to relevant staff within 24 hours of being made

Version control

DSCR data is stored in the UK/EEA and meets NHS DSP Toolkit or equivalent security standards

Data processor DPA

📊 8. DSCR — Digital Incident Reporting DSCR Requirement · 4 items

All incidents and near-misses are recorded in a digital system (not paper log) with timestamps

Incident log

RIDDOR-reportable incidents are identified and reported to the HSE within the required timeframe

RIDDOR register

Incident data is reviewed monthly for trends and learning outcomes are communicated to staff

Review minutes

CQC is notified of notifiable incidents (DoLS, injuries, missing persons) within the required timeframe

Notification log

📊 Your Score Guide — Count your ticked items (32 total)

0–10

High Risk

Significant gaps. Prioritise immediate action before inspection risk rises.

11–20

Requires Improvement

Notable gaps. Create a time-bound improvement plan for each unticked item.

21–32

Good / Outstanding

Strong compliance. Document evidence and target remaining gaps.

Total ticks

Score /32

RAG rating

Next review date

📝 Priority Actions & Notes