Worried about the CQC? Worry no more! In fact, cue the Bobby McFerrin music:

“Don’t worry, be happy

’Cause when you’re worried your face will frown

And that will bring everybody down

So don’t worry, be happy

Don’t worry, be happy now!”

While you’re whistling away (admit it, you started whistling the intro to that song!), let me tell you why you no longer need to worry. The first edition of The CQC Handbook is now available to download for Practice Index PLUS members.

There’s been a lot of change at CQC HQ and it’s probably safe to say that we’ll need to continue sailing on the sea of change for some time to come. But you’re not lost at sea and there’s no need to light an emergency flare. In fact, you can be assured that your course is plotted and you’ll be navigating the CQC sea of change with relevant ease.

I’ve produced a comprehensive handbook packed with information and more than 250 links taking you to the relevant legislation, guidance, policies and training resources. This is a must-have handbook for practice managers (new or experienced).

The handbook offers a holistic approach, focusing on all CQC matters and not just the recent changes. Unlike Del Boy and Rodney, none of us have time on our hands. So rather than you going ‘to Hull and back’, wading through a sea of online resources, searching for the answers to your CQC questions, you can instead download the handbook and easily find what you’re looking for.

What does it cover?

There are five key sections to the handbook; here’s a synopsis of each:

1. Overview of the CQC – explaining the role of the CQC, associated regulations, fundamental standards of care, regulated activities, service providers, ratings, statutory notifications and warning notices.

2. Registering with the CQC – detailed information covering the registration process including applications, DBS checks, statement of purpose, supporting documentation and pre-registration advice.

3. How the CQC monitors service providers – an overview of the CQC’s new monitoring approach and what the requirements are for providers.

 4. How the CQC inspects service providers – this section covers the Key Lines of Enquiry (KLOEs), inspection frequency, types of inspection, how the CQC gathers evidence during an inspection and additional information gathering.

5. Preparing for an inspection – a comprehensive guide to preparing the team for an inspection and presenting the organisation at inspection.

But the information doesn’t stop there. There are over 15 pages dedicated to frequently asked questions, helping you to eradicate some of those myths you might have heard or providing you with reassurance that you’re doing the right thing.

This really is the complete guide to understanding the CQC and all you need to know about being CQC compliant.