UK CQC Healthcare Compliance Checklist

This comprehensive CQC compliance checklist covers the 5 Key Lines of Enquiry (KLOEs): Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive, and Well-led. Designed to help NHS trusts, private hospitals, GP practices, and care homes prepare for CQC inspections and achieve Outstanding ratings. Aligned with CQC Fundamental Standards, Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations, NICE Guidelines, and NHS England quality requirements. Use this checklist for self-assessment, mock inspections, and

Industry: Healthcare
Frequency: Monthly / Pre-inspection
Estimated Time: 45-60 minutes
Role: Registered Manager / Clinical Lead / Quality Manager / CQC Nominated Individual
Total Items: 45
Compliance: CQC Fundamental Standards, Health and Social Care Act 2008, NICE Guidelines, NHS England

Safe - KLOE 1

Are people protected from abuse and avoidable harm? Covers safeguarding, medicines management, infection control, and safety systems.

Safeguarding policies up to date and accessible?
All staff completed safeguarding training?
Medicines stored securely and correctly?
Medicines administration records accurate?
Infection prevention and control policies in place?
Hand hygiene audits conducted regularly?
Incident reporting system in place?
Duty of Candour requirements met?
Risk assessments completed and reviewed?
Staffing levels sufficient to provide safe care?

Effective - KLOE 2

Does the care, treatment and support achieve good outcomes and promote a good quality of life based on best available evidence?

Care aligned with NICE guidelines?
Clinical audits conducted regularly?
Patient outcomes monitored and reviewed?
Consent processes followed correctly?
Nutrition and hydration needs assessed?
Pain assessed and managed effectively?
Staff competency assessed and maintained?
Multidisciplinary team working effective?

Caring - KLOE 3

Does the service involve and treat people with compassion, kindness, dignity and respect?

Patients treated with dignity and respect?
Patients involved in care decisions?
Staff demonstrate compassion in interactions?
Emotional support available to patients?
Families and carers involved appropriately?
Patient feedback actively sought?
Privacy maintained during care delivery?

Responsive - KLOE 4

Are services organised to meet people's needs?

Care plans person-centred and current?
Timely access to services?
Reasonable adjustments made for disabilities?
Complaints process accessible and effective?
End of life care planned and delivered well?
Discharge planning effective?
Needs of vulnerable groups met?

Well-led - KLOE 5

Is there effective leadership, management and governance to ensure high quality person-centred care, support learning and innovation, and promote an open and fair culture?

Clear vision, values and strategy?
Robust governance framework in place?
Registered manager in post and effective?
Fit and proper persons requirements met?
Staff engaged and listened to?
Culture of learning and improvement?
CQC notifications submitted when required?
Policies and procedures current and accessible?
Effective partnerships with external agencies?

Initial Safety Assessment

Preliminary safety and compliance verification

Work area safe and hazard-free?
Required PPE available and in good condition?
Emergency exits clear and marked?
First aid supplies accessible?

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Why Use This UK CQC Healthcare Compliance Checklist?

This uk cqc healthcare compliance checklist helps healthcare teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for registered manager / clinical lead / quality manager / cqc nominated individual professionals, this checklist covers 45 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: monthly / pre-inspection.

Ensures compliance with CQC Fundamental Standards, Health and Social Care Act 2008, NICE Guidelines, NHS England. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the UK CQC Healthcare Compliance Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 45 inspection items across 6 sections: Safe - KLOE 1, Effective - KLOE 2, Caring - KLOE 3, Responsive - KLOE 4, Well-led - KLOE 5, Initial Safety Assessment. It is designed for healthcare operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed monthly / pre-inspection. Each completion takes approximately 45-60 minutes.

Who should use this UK CQC Healthcare Compliance Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Registered Manager / Clinical Lead / Quality Manager / CQC Nominated Individual professionals in the healthcare industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.