February 2025 Newsletter
Good morning
Welcome to our February newsletter! As we start the new year, we’ll be highlighting key updates, offering expert advice, and sharing tips to help your practice stay compliant, efficient, and ready for success. Whether you’re looking to improve your CQC rating or navigate the latest regulatory changes, we’ve got you covered. Read on for more insights and support to help you thrive in 2025.
At DKJ Support Services, we’re committed to providing tools that make compliance and operational excellence easier for healthcare providers. That’s why we’re excited to introduce two of our key resources: CQC Pathfinder and the DKJ Health Hub.
CQC Pathfinder is your go-to tool for navigating the complexities of CQC inspections, helping you stay on track with compliance and prepare for your next inspection with confidence. Stay ahead and take the stress out of compliance with CQC Pathfinder—the ultimate inspection preparation tool!
DKJ Health Hub is an online platform offering ongoing support, resources, and guidance tailored to the needs of health and social care providers. It’s designed to streamline your operations and keep you up-to-date with the latest industry developments. With DKJ Health Hub, you’ll save time, stay ahead of regulations, and gain valuable insights – all for less than the cost of your daily coffee!
Together, these tools offer practical solutions to help you improve care quality, stay compliant, and optimise your practice. Please get in touch for more information!
Exclusive for DKJ Health Hub Members - CQC Quality Statement Deep Dives
From February, we will be doing deep dives into CQC Quality Statements starting with the following:
- Safe Learning Culture – 3 February 12.00-12.30
- Well Led Governance Management and Sustainability – 10 February 12.00-12.30
- Responsive Listening to and Involving Patients – 20 February 9.00-9.30
These sessions will be only small group sessions with only 8 places available therefore please contact cqc@dkjsupportservices.co.uk or visit https://dkjsupportservices.co.uk/events-2/ if you would like to join.
As always at DKJ, if you have any questions or want to chat about anything, please get in touch with us any time!
February's Masterclass Spotlight 
Understanding the CQC Single Assessment Framework
Wednesday 5 February 11:00 – 12:30
This practical and engaging Masterclass is designed to help your team fully understand the changes and their impact on your practice, ensuring you’re well-prepared for Planned and Responsive assessments.
What You’ll Learn:
- The Single Assessment Framework
- Get to grips with the new framework and how it applies to your practice.
- Understanding the 34 Quality Statements
- Learn how to align your practice operations with the new quality benchmarks.
- I and We Statements
- Understand how these statements reflect your practice’s care and culture.
- Evidence Categories and Inspection Processes
- Discover what evidence CQC inspectors will look for and how they will evaluate it.
- Preparing for Planned Assessments
- Focus on Equity in Access & Outcomes and what CQC will expect to see during routine inspections.
- Preparing for Responsive Assessments
- Explore common themes and how to respond effectively during unplanned inspections.
- Additional Information to Ensure Compliance
Gain insights into other key elements CQC considers during inspections.
Is your PCN ready for the future?
Thursday 20 February 14:00 – 15:30
There is so much change in general practice and with PCNs but how prepared are you to meet upcoming challenges and opportunities? From Network Agreements to ARRS budgets to Integrated Neighbourhood Team working, the questions you’re asking today will shape your success tomorrow.
We’ve worked with over 145 PCNs nationally, addressing the critical areas that impact performance, compliance, and growth. Now, we’re here to help your PCN stay ahead.
What We’ll Cover:
- PCN Governance
- Review and update your Network Agreements, Data Sharing Agreements, Board Terms of Reference, and Succession Plans.
- DES, IIF, and CAIP Monitoring
- Track your progress, meet requirements, and maximize your outcomes under key frameworks.
- ARRS Workforce Planning
- Optimize your workforce and fully utilise your ARRS budget, including a focus on the ARRS GP Role.
- Planning for 2025
- Prepare for the transition to Integrated Neighbourhood Teams and explore income generation strategies for long-term sustainability.
Why Attend?
- Customised Guidance: Address the specific challenges your PCN is facing.
- Practical Solutions: Gain actionable insights to improve governance, budget utilization, and workforce planning.
- Future-Ready Strategy: Ensure your PCN is equipped to thrive in the evolving healthcare landscape.
Take control of your PCN’s future. Join our PCN Governance and Planning Masterclass and set the foundation for success.
Mock CQC Inspection Cost: Is It Worth It?
What is a Mock CQC Inspection?
A mock CQC inspection is a practice run of an official Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection. It mimics the real process, including reviewing documentation, interviewing staff, and evaluating the quality of care. The aim is to identify areas of compliance and areas that need improvement before the actual CQC visit, helping practices be better prepared.
Who Can Benefit from a Mock CQC Inspection?
Mock inspections are useful for all healthcare providers, from new clinics going through CQC registration to well-established practices. They are especially helpful after changes like new leadership or expansions, or if a practice has previously received a poor CQC rating. They provide reassurance and readiness for the real inspection.
Why is CQC Compliance Important?
CQC compliance is essential for all healthcare providers in England, as it’s a legal requirement. Non-compliance can lead to penalties, enforced changes, or even closure. Meeting CQC standards ensures high-quality care and patient safety, which builds trust and enhances your practice’s reputation.
Benefits of a Mock CQC Inspection
- Identify Issues Early: Spotting compliance issues before the official inspection allows you to address them and create a culture of improvement.
- Team Preparation: A mock inspection helps staff become familiar with the process, reducing stress and boosting confidence during the actual visit.
- Improved CQC Rating: Addressing weaknesses identified in a mock inspection can lead to a better CQC rating, improving patient trust and your practice’s reputation.
Costs of a Mock CQC Inspection
The cost varies based on factors such as practice size, location, and the scope of the inspection. Larger, more complex practices or those needing more extensive documentation updates will generally incur higher costs. However, the investment is worthwhile when compared to the potential risks of non-compliance.
Flexible Pricing with DKJ Support Services
DKJ Support Services offers tailored pricing to suit different practices. We understand that each practice is unique, so we work with you to find a package that fits your budget and needs. We also provide ongoing support beyond the inspection to help you implement improvements and stay compliant.
Why Choose DKJ Support Services?
With real-world experience from both NHS and private healthcare settings, DKJ Support Services offers expert guidance through the CQC process. We provide tailored support, ensuring your practice is ready for the inspection, and offer ongoing assistance to maintain compliance.
For more information, contact us today to discuss your mock CQC inspection needs cqc@dkjsupportservices.co.uk
Work With Us
Are you looking for project work and have worked in health and social care?
We are pleased to be looking for more Associates to work on national projects and provide interim support to primary care and social care organisations.
If you have experience working in primary or social care, we would love to hear from you and have a chat with you about how you can support us with our growing portfolio of work in these sectors.
If you are interested, please drop us your CV or a short personal statement to our Operations Manager at claire@dkjsupportservices.co.uk.
We look forward to hearing from you 😊

