CQC Mandatory Training

Learn all about the CQC’s latest assessment framework, preparing your organisation to meet these standards with confidence.

An Introduction to CQC

This workshop is designed to help healthcare clinics – including GP practices, PCNs, and similar services – understand the role of the CQC and get ready for inspection. The session provides a clear introduction to the CQC, its key functions, and essential information to help you stay compliant.

What we will cover:

• Overview of the four core functions of the CQC
• What you need to know about CQC registration and how to check your compliance
• Understanding CQC’s enforcement powers and publication responsibilities
• Introduction to important Quality Statements and their relevance to your service
• In-depth Inspection and Quality Statements
• Detailed look at the CQC Single Assessment Framework
• Deep dive into specific Quality Statements focusing on staff, teams, partnerships, and community engagement
• Practical advice to help you develop an action plan that improves compliance and prepares you for inspection

What you’ll learn:

• How teams share information and work together to plan, deliver, and coordinate care, including transitions, referrals, and discharges
• How to build strong partnerships with other organisations and communities to enhance services
• How to clearly demonstrate to the CQC that your service delivers seamless care through effective teamwork and collaboration

CQC Inspection Training

Why this matters:

With the CQC Single Assessment Framework (SAF) now in place, practices need clarity, confidence, and practical tools to meet inspection standards. This session equips your teams to prepare effectively, demonstrate quality, and avoid costly compliance gaps.

What We’ll Cover

• The SAF in practice: What’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and how the new ‘We’ and ‘I’ statements drive the 34 Quality Standards.
• Evidence that counts: How CQC will score and rate services, and why patient, staff, and partner feedback is now central to inspection outcomes.
• Inspections demystified: Planned vs responsive assessments, what triggers them, and the latest inspection themes commissioners need to know.
• Practical preparation: Spotlight on workforce, governance, equity of access, patient engagement, and learning culture – the areas inspectors are focusing on.
• Interactive insight: Use CQC Pathfinder to rehearse the questions inspectors will ask leaders, partners, and frontline teams.

What You Will Learn

• How to translate the CQC SAF framework into everyday practice, so your team knows exactly what good looks like.
• Ways to evidence quality confidently, using patient, staff, and partner feedback to strengthen inspection outcomes.
• Practical strategies to anticipate inspection themes and address common challenges before they become issues.
• How to embed a culture of learning and improvement that inspectors recognise and reward.
• Skills to answer inspection questions with clarity and assurance, showing leadership and governance in action.

Quality Statement: Learning Culture

• Duty of Candour – Our Duty of Candour training equips staff with the knowledge and confidence to meet CQC requirements, focusing on openness, transparency, and effective communication with patients when things go wrong.
• Whistleblowing and Freedom to Speak Up – Our training highlights the difference between Whistleblowing and Freedom to Speak Up, giving clarity on when to use formal, legally protected external reporting routes versus how to raise concerns internally in a supportive culture. Attendees leave with practical knowledge of their rights, responsibilities, and the processes that safeguard both staff and patients..

Quality Statement: Safeguarding

• Basics of Adult Safeguarding Training – Our training introduces the basics of adult safeguarding, helping attendees recognise signs of abuse or neglect, understand their responsibilities in raising concerns, and follow the correct procedures to protect vulnerable adults. Participants leave with practical knowledge to promote safety, dignity, and compliance in everyday practice.”
• Basics of Children’s Safeguarding Training – Our training covers the essentials of children’s safeguarding, helping attendees recognise signs of abuse or neglect, understand their duty to act, and follow the correct procedures to protect children. Participants leave with practical knowledge to promote safety, wellbeing, and compliance in everyday practice.

Quality Statement: Safe Environments

• Basics of Health and Safety – Our training covers the fundamentals of health and safety in practice, helping attendees identify common workplace risks, understand their responsibilities under health and safety law, and apply safe systems of work. Participants leave with practical knowledge to create a safer environment for staff, patients, and visitors

Quality Statement: Safe and Effective Staffing

• Introduction to Practice HR (Recruitment and Retention) – Our training introduces the essentials of HR in practice, helping attendees understand recruitment processes, employment law basics, and effective retention strategies. Participants leave with practical knowledge to build strong teams, support staff wellbeing, and ensure compliance with workforce requirements.
• Introduction to Practice HR (Training and Appraisals) – Our training introduces the fundamentals of HR training and appraisals, helping attendees understand how to design effective staff development programmes, conduct fair and constructive appraisals, and align performance management with organisational goals. Participants leave with practical knowledge to support staff growth, engagement, and compliance.
• Clinical Supervision for Clinicians – Our training introduces the principles of clinical supervision, helping attendees develop skills to support colleagues, reflect on practice, and ensure safe, effective patient care. Participants leave with practical approaches to fostering professional development, maintaining accountability, and strengthening clinical standards.

Quality Statements: Infection Prevention and Control

• Infection Prevention and Control – Our training covers the essentials of infection prevention and control, helping attendees understand core principles, recognise risks within practice settings, and apply effective measures to reduce the spread of infection. Participants leave with practical knowledge to safeguard patients, staff, and visitors while meeting regulatory requirements.

Quality Statement – Medicines Optimisation

• • CQC and Medicines Optimisation – Our training highlights how CQC requirements link to medicines optimisation, helping attendees understand regulatory expectations, identify areas for improvement, and apply best practice in prescribing and medicines management. Participants leave with practical knowledge to strengthen compliance, patient safety, and quality of care.

Quality Statement: Kindness, Compassion and Dignity

• Introduction to Customer Services – Our training builds the foundations of excellent customer service in practice, helping attendees develop effective communication skills, handle patient enquiries and complaints with confidence, and create positive experiences that strengthen trust and satisfaction. Participants leave with practical techniques to enhance patient care and support a welcoming practice culture.
• Managing Difficult Conversations – Our training develops the skills needed to manage difficult conversations in practice, helping attendees approach sensitive issues with confidence, use effective communication techniques, and resolve conflict constructively. Participants leave with practical strategies to maintain positive working relationships and support a respectful, collaborative culture.
• Introduction to Cultural Awareness within Practice – Our training introduces the principles of cultural awareness, helping attendees understand the impact of culture on communication, behaviour, and patient care. Participants learn how to recognise and respect diversity, challenge unconscious bias, and adapt their approach to support inclusive, person‑centred practice. They leave with practical skills to foster equality, respect, and stronger relationships within the workplace and community.

Quality Statement: Workforce Wellbeing and Enablement

• Introduction to Wellbeing and Resilience in Practice – Our training introduces the principles of wellbeing and resilience in practice, helping attendees understand how to manage stress, maintain balance, and build coping strategies for challenging situations. Participants leave with practical techniques to support their own wellbeing, strengthen team resilience, and promote a healthier workplace culture

Quality Statement: Care Provision, Integration and Continuity

• Introduction to Population Health Management and Reducing Health Inequalities – Our training introduces the principles of population health management, helping attendees understand how to use data and local intelligence to identify health needs, target interventions, and reduce inequalities. Participants leave with practical knowledge to improve outcomes, support proactive care, and strengthen equity across diverse patient groups.
• Understanding our Population – Our training helps attendees understand their patient population by using data, feedback, and local insights to identify health needs and priorities. Participants learn how to design and deliver services that are responsive, equitable, and aligned with patient expectations. They leave with practical strategies to improve access, tailor care pathways, and strengthen outcomes across diverse communities
• The Basics of Reducing Health Inequalities – Our training introduces the core principles of reducing health inequalities, helping attendees understand the social and clinical factors that drive unequal outcomes, recognise the role of data and local intelligence, and apply practical approaches to improve equity in care. Participants leave with strategies to promote inclusion, target resources effectively, and strengthen fairness across patient groups.

Quality Statement: Providing Information

• Understanding and Applying the Accessible Information Standard – Our training explains the Accessible Information Standard, helping attendees understand their duty to identify, record, and meet patients’ communication needs. Participants learn how to provide using the 6 stage Accessible Information Standard, ensuring that everyone can access and understand their care. They leave with practical knowledge to improve compliance, patient safety, and inclusive practice.
• Understanding and Applying Reasonable Adjustment Requests – Our training explains the principles of reasonable adjustments, helping attendees recognise when changes are needed to remove barriers for patients and staff. Participants learn how to meet legal and ethical duties, adapt environments and processes, and promote inclusion. They leave with practical strategies to ensure equitable access, support wellbeing, and strengthen compliance across the practice.

Quality Statement: Listening to and Involving People

• The Basics of Patient Feedback and the So What – Our training introduces the fundamentals of patient feedback, helping attendees understand how to collect, interpret, and act on comments from patients. Participants learn how to use surveys, complaints, compliments, and online platforms such as Google Reviews to identify themes, demonstrate improvements, and evidence real change. They leave with practical strategies to strengthen patient experience, build trust, and showcase a responsive, learning culture within the practice
• Patient Complaints – Our training explores how to manage patient complaints effectively, helping attendees understand the complaints process, respond constructively, and use feedback to drive improvement. Participants learn how to apply the ‘So What’ cycle to move beyond resolution and demonstrate meaningful change. They leave with practical strategies to strengthen patient trust, evidence learning, and embed a culture of continuous improvement.
• Running Effective Patient Participation Groups – Our training helps attendees understand how to run effective Patient Participation Groups that genuinely engage patients and strengthen practice-community relationships. It covers setting clear aims, building inclusive membership, facilitating constructive discussions, and turning feedback into action. Participants gain practical skills to manage meetings, handle challenges, and ensure patient voices shape service improvement.

Quality Statement: Equity in Experiences and Outcomes

• Introduction to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion – Our training introduces the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion, helping attendees understand their responsibilities under legislation, recognise the impact of bias and discrimination, and apply inclusive approaches in everyday practice. Participants leave with practical strategies to promote fairness, respect differences, and create a supportive environment for patients and staff alike.
• Introduction to Cultural Awareness within Practice – Our training introduces the principles of cultural awareness, helping attendees understand the impact of culture on communication, behaviour, and patient care. Participants learn how to recognise and respect diversity, challenge unconscious bias, and adapt their approach to support inclusive, person‑centred practice. They leave with practical skills to foster equality, respect, and stronger relationships within the workplace and community.

Quality Statement: Staff, teams and Services Work Together

• Introduction to Practice HR (Training and Appraisals) – Our training introduces the fundamentals of HR training and appraisals, helping attendees understand how to design effective staff development programmes, conduct fair and constructive appraisals, and align performance management with organisational goals. Participants leave with practical knowledge to support staff growth, engagement, and compliance.
• Introduction to Care Navigation – Our training introduces the principles of care navigation, helping attendees understand how to guide patients to the right services, make effective use of local resources, and support access to appropriate care pathways. Participants leave with practical skills to improve patient experience, reduce pressure on clinicians, and strengthen practice efficiency.

Quality Statement: Consent to Care and Treatment

• Introduction to Consent – Our training explains the principles of consent in practice, helping attendees understand legal and ethical requirements, recognise when and how valid consent must be obtained, and apply best practice in documenting and communicating decisions. Participants leave with practical knowledge to safeguard patient rights, ensure compliance, and build trust in everyday care.

Quality Statement: Shared Direction and Culture

• The Basics of Vision, Mission and Values – Our training introduces the foundations of setting vision, mission and values in practice, helping attendees understand how these elements shape culture, guide decision‑making, and align teams. Participants learn the importance of developing a clear business plan to turn ideas into action, evidence strategic thinking, and support long‑term sustainability. They leave with practical tools to define purpose, engage staff, and strengthen organisational direction.
• Introduction to Business Planning and Succession Planning – “Our training introduces the principles of business planning and succession planning in practice, helping attendees understand how to set clear objectives, prepare for future workforce needs, and ensure continuity of care. Participants learn how appraisals connect to the ‘golden thread’ of vision, mission, and values, linking individual development to organisational goals. They leave with practical strategies to embed planning into everyday practice, strengthen resilience, and evidence a proactive approach to sustainability and growth.”

Quality Statement: Capable, Compassionate and Inclusive Leaders

• Leadership and Management – Our training explores the principles of leadership and management in practice, helping attendees understand how to motivate teams, delegate effectively, and balance strategic vision with day‑to‑day operations. Participants learn practical approaches to decision‑making, performance management, and fostering a positive workplace culture. They leave with the skills to lead confidently, manage resources efficiently, and drive continuous improvement across the practice.
• Leadership and You – Our training equips attendees with tools and skills to navigate change and lead effectively. A pre‑session Leadership Questionnaire helps participants explore their style, while the course examines the relationship between leadership and management, different leadership approaches, and who they are leading. Attendees leave with practical insights to strengthen self‑awareness and inspire teams.
• Leadership Essentials – Our training explores what makes a ‘good’ leader, emphasising the importance of clear and consistent communication. Attendees learn the principles of situational leadership, resilient leadership, and ethical decision‑making. They leave with practical insights to strengthen their leadership style, adapt to challenges, and inspire confidence in their teams.”
• Leading Integrated Teams – Our training explores the different types of integrated teams and how they work together to deliver joined‑up care. Attendees learn how to build strong partnerships and relationships, apply collaborative leadership, and manage conflict or difficult situations constructively. The session also focuses on leading through change, equipping participants with practical skills to strengthen teamwork, resilience, and patient outcomes.

Quality Statement: Freedom to Speak Up

• Introduction to Freedom to Speak Up – Our training introduces the principles of Freedom to Speak Up, helping attendees understand how to raise concerns safely and constructively within healthcare settings. Participants learn the role of Freedom to Speak Up Guardians, the importance of creating a supportive culture, and how to respond to concerns in ways that drive improvement. They leave with practical knowledge to promote openness, protect staff and patients, and strengthen trust across the organisation.
• Whistleblowing and Freedom to Speak Up – Our training highlights the difference between Whistleblowing and Freedom to Speak Up, giving clarity on when to use formal, legally protected external reporting routes versus how to raise concerns internally in a supportive culture. Attendees leave with practical knowledge of their rights, responsibilities, and the processes that safeguard both staff and patients..

Quality Statement: Governance Management and Sustainability

• Introduction to Practice Governance – Our training introduces the principles of practice governance, helping attendees understand how systems and structures ensure accountability, safety, and quality in healthcare. Participants learn the key components of governance—including clinical effectiveness, risk management, patient experience, and workforce responsibilities—and how these link to regulatory compliance. They leave with practical knowledge to strengthen oversight, embed good governance, and support continuous improvement across the practice.
• Introduction to Practice Finance – Our training introduces the fundamentals of practice finance, helping attendees understand key concepts such as budgeting, forecasting, income streams, and expenditure. Participants learn how to interpret financial information, manage resources effectively, and link financial planning to strategic goals. They leave with practical knowledge to strengthen financial awareness, support sustainability, and make informed decisions in everyday practice.

Quality Statement: Partnerships and Communities

• Introduction to Primary Care Networks – Our training helps attendees understand the full scope of what a Primary Care Network is. It covers governance essentials, DES delivery, ARRS roles, service provision, agreements, contracts, and how networks fit into the wider NHS system. Participants gain practical tools—from SWOT and PESTLE analysis to exploring legal structures—to identify challenges, seize opportunities, and shape future direction.
• Introduction to the Neighbourhood Teams – Prepare for the evolving landscape of primary care and integrated teams. This training explores working within Integrated Neighbourhood Teams, fostering pan‑PCN collaboration, and building income streams beyond the DES with a commercial mindset. Attendees learn how digital transformation can reshape care delivery, how population health management tackles inequalities, and how collaborative leadership supports influence without authority. The focus is on preparing for future contracts such as SNP and MNP and the wider shift to neighbourhood‑based care.
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