CQC Statement of Purpose: Samples and Examples

If you run or are planning to run a health or social care service in England, you are likely familiar with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The CQC ensures that all regulated healthcare providers meet the necessary standards of safety and quality. One essential document in this process is the Statement of Purpose. This document tells the CQC, as well as your patients, who you are, what services you provide, and how you aim to deliver high-quality care.

At DKJ Support Services, we have everything you need to make registration and compliance easy and straightforward. What is a focused CQC inspection? How do you prepare for each step of the process? Whether you are a new provider just setting up your practice or an existing service looking to refine your documentation, if you have questions, our experts have answers.

In this article, we will explore what a Statement of Purpose is, why it’s important in ensuring meeting requirements set by the CQC for private clinics, and how to create a document that stands out. We’ll provide clear examples and templates that can help simplify the process. 

What Is a CQC Statement of Purpose?

A CQC Statement of Purpose is a legal document required by the Care Quality Commission. It outlines the key details of your healthcare service, including the services you provide, the aims and objectives, and where your services are delivered. Essentially, it’s your way of telling the CQC what you are about and how you contribute to safe and effective healthcare in your community.

This document must be kept up to date to reflect any changes in your services or your organisational structure. It is not only an internal reference but also a commitment to your patients and regulators that you are committed to quality care.

Why Is It Required?

The CQC Statement of Purpose is a mandatory part of CQC registration. It ensures that providers clearly define the services they offer and how they intend to meet the required standards of care. This clarity is key for both regulators and service users because it promotes transparency and accountability in healthcare provision.

A well-prepared Statement of Purpose can help avoid issues during inspections and show that you are proactive in maintaining compliance with CQC regulations.

Key Components of a CQC Statement of Purpose

Registered Provider and Manager Details

One of the most important parts of your Statement of Purpose is including all relevant details about the registered provider and the registered manager. These individuals are responsible for overseeing the delivery of regulated activities and ensuring that all services meet the required standards.

Make sure to include:

• Full name and contact information of the registered provider.
• The role and qualifications of the registered manager.
• An overview of their responsibilities in ensuring compliance.

Services Offered

Your Statement of Purpose should clearly state the services you provide. This includes general healthcare services, specialist treatments, and other support services that may be offered.

For instance, if you are running a private GP practice, specify all the different services, such as consultations, diagnostic tests, or vaccinations. Make sure you provide enough detail without using too much jargon, so it’s easily understood by the CQC as well as your patients.

Locations

A Statement of Purpose must also list the locations where you provide services. This means specifying the full address of each service location, whether it’s a clinic, care home, or community service. If you offer remote services, be sure to include this as well, indicating how you meet quality standards for virtual care.

Aims and Objectives

Another key element is setting out your aims and objectives. This section should be clear and concise, outlining what you are trying to achieve through your services. The aims are your broad goals, while the objectives are more specific, actionable targets that help you meet those goals.

Example Aims and Objectives

• Aim: To deliver patient-centred primary healthcare services that are safe, effective, and caring.
• Objective: To ensure all patients receive appointments within 24 hours of request.
• Objective: To maintain a high level of patient satisfaction by addressing all complaints within two weeks.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

In this section, acknowledge your commitment to complying with all relevant legal and regulatory requirements. This includes adherence to CQC standards, the Health and Social Care Act 2008, and other relevant legislation. It’s important to show that you understand the regulations governing your services and are committed to upholding them.

How to Write a CQC Statement of Purpose

Use Clear and Simple Language

Writing a CQC Statement of Purpose doesn’t need to be complicated. The best way to ensure that everyone can understand it is by using accessible, plain English. Avoid using medical jargon or acronyms that might be confusing. If you do need to use a technical term, provide a simple explanation alongside it.

Aligning with CQC Guidelines

Your Statement of Purpose should align with the CQC’s guidelines. Make sure that each section of your document meets the CQC’s expectations, as outlined on their official website. Cross-checking your draft against these guidelines will help you avoid mistakes that could lead to registration delays or issues during inspections.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Overcomplicating Descriptions – Keep it straightforward. The CQC isn’t looking for overly detailed descriptions of your day-to-day activities, but rather a clear picture of what services you offer and how you ensure quality.
• Leaving Out Critical Information – Make sure to cover all key elements—provider details, locations, services, and aims.
• Inconsistent Information – Ensure that the information in your Statement of Purpose matches what is listed on your CQC registration application and any other internal documents.
• Be Specific – Make sure to adjust the details to accurately reflect the services you provide. Avoid using generic descriptions that could apply to anyone.
• Show Your Unique Value – Highlight what makes your service unique. For example, if your clinic specialises in a particular type of care, make sure to include that in your description.

Template for Writing Your CQC Statement of Purpose

If you’re looking for templates to help you write a fantastic Statement of Purpose, we’re here to help.

Our registration packages include options with pre-designed templates to help you fill out your documentation, tailored specifically to your sector. For the Statement of Purpose, they’ll detail what to include, such as your business details, aims and objectives, location information, and registered manager details, all split into easy-to-follow sections.

As part of the package, you’ll also find templates for policies, procedures, and regulated activities, too, as well as access to a 1-hour consultation with one of our experts to review your documents before you’re ready to submit them.

More details about our packages are available upon request. Contact DKJ Support Services to determine which solution best fits your needs.

Common Questions About the CQC Statement of Purpose

How often do I need to update my Statement of Purpose?

You need to update your Statement of Purpose whenever there are significant changes to your service. For example, if you add new services, close or move locations, or appoint a new registered manager, these updates must be reflected in the document. Keeping your Statement of Purpose current is a legal requirement under CQC regulations. Failing to do so can lead to discrepancies during inspections or issues with compliance, as the CQC relies on accurate information to assess your service. Regular reviews of this document are a good practice to ensure its relevance and accuracy.

What happens if my Statement of Purpose is incomplete?

An incomplete Statement of Purpose can result in compliance issues, delays in registration, or even rejection of your application. Each section of the document must be filled out comprehensively to ensure it meets the CQC’s expectations. Omitting critical information, such as registered manager details or aims and objectives, could lead to confusion during inspections or approvals. The CQC uses this document as a key reference to understand your organisation, so ensuring its completeness is essential to maintaining credibility and avoiding setbacks.

Can I change my Statement of Purpose after submission?

Yes, you can and should update your Statement of Purpose whenever there are significant changes to your organisation. If you alter your service offerings, move locations, or have a new registered manager, you must notify the CQC and provide an updated version of the document. The process is straightforward: you revise the document and submit the changes through the appropriate CQC channels. Ensuring that these updates are timely and accurate is critical to maintaining compliance and avoiding any misunderstandings during inspections.

Is there a penalty for errors in the Statement of Purpose?

Errors in your Statement of Purpose can lead to serious consequences, particularly during CQC inspections. Minor errors, such as typos or small inconsistencies, may only require a quick update. However, significant inaccuracies or omissions, such as failing to list all services provided or incorrect registered manager details, can result in non-compliance issues. These discrepancies could lead to additional scrutiny, delays in approvals, or penalties. To avoid this, double-check all information for accuracy before submission and regularly review the document to keep it up-to-date.

How DKJ Support Services Can Help You

Our Expertise

At DKJ Support Services, we specialise in helping healthcare providers navigate the complexities of CQC compliance. Whether you are setting up a private clinic or expanding your GP practice, our team has the expertise to guide you through each step of the process. Our experience is grounded in years of working within both primary care and private clinical practices, giving us a unique perspective that goes beyond typical consultancy.

Tailored Support

We provide tailored support that aligns your Statement of Purpose with your unique services. From initial drafting to ensuring every detail is compliant, our hands-on approach takes the stress out of CQC documentation. We have helped numerous clients prepare, submit, and successfully maintain their Statements of Purpose without hassle.

Ongoing Compliance Assistance

Our services go beyond just writing the Statement of Purpose. We offer ongoing support for CQC inspections, compliance reviews, and any necessary updates. We also provide guidance on bid management to help you secure funding or contracts, ensuring that your practice remains competitive and compliant.

Conclusion

A well-crafted CQC Statement of Purpose is essential for ensuring your healthcare service is both compliant and transparent. It shows your commitment to delivering high-quality care and helps you establish trust with both regulators and patients. By using the examples, templates, and guidance provided in this article, you can simplify the process and ensure that your Statement of Purpose meets all the necessary requirements.

At DKJ Support Services, we leverage our expert experience in primary care and private clinical practices to guide you through CQC and bid management processes. We are not your typical consultants—we are experts with first-hand experience, committed to helping you provide the best care while ensuring compliance. If you need support in drafting your Statement of Purpose or managing any aspect of CQC compliance, contact us today and let us lighten your workload.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The products and methods mentioned are not a substitute for professional medical advice from a trained healthcare specialist. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Use of the information and products discussed is at your own risk.