The Complete CQC Inspection Checklist for 2026

A CQC inspection can arrive with little notice. Being prepared means having the right documentation, evidence, and processes in place at all times — not just when you know an inspector is coming. This checklist covers everything you need to have ready.

1. Registration Documents

Your registration documents must be current, accurate, and accessible at all times.

• Current Certificate of Registration displayed prominently
• Up-to-date Statement of Purpose (reviewed at least annually)
• Registered Manager certificate and contact details
• Nominated Individual details (if applicable)
• List of all regulated activities you are registered for
• Conditions of registration understood by all senior staff

2. Policies and Procedures

All policies must be current, signed, dated, and evidenced as having been read by staff.

• Safeguarding adults policy (reviewed within last 12 months)
• Medicines management policy and procedures
• Infection prevention and control policy
• Complaints policy and log of all complaints received
• Whistle-blowing / raising concerns policy
• Recruitment and DBS checking policy
• Mental Capacity Act / DoLS policy
• Dignity and respect policy
• Health and safety policy
• Business continuity / emergency planning policy

3. Staff Records

• DBS certificates for all staff (enhanced where required)
• Right to work documentation for all employees
• Training records — mandatory training completion rates
• Supervision records (at least every 8 weeks for care staff)
• Annual appraisal records
• Staff rota showing safe staffing levels
• Recruitment files including references
• Fit and proper person evidence for directors/managers

4. Service User / Care Records

• Care plans — person-centred, reviewed regularly
• Risk assessments for each service user
• Mental capacity assessments where relevant
• Consent documentation
• Medication Administration Records (MARs)
• Daily notes / progress notes
• Hospital passport / health action plans
• DNACPR documentation (where applicable)

5. Governance and Quality Assurance

• Audit schedule and completed audits (medicines, care plans, H&S)
• Quality assurance / governance meeting minutes
• Action plans from previous audits
• Incident and accident log
• CQC notifications log (all notifications sent)
• Previous CQC inspection report and rating action plan
• Service user satisfaction surveys
• Staff satisfaction surveys

6. Medicines

See our full guide to medication audits for a detailed monthly checklist. At minimum, have ready:

• Medicines policy and procedures
• MAR charts — completed, no gaps
• Medicines count records
• Temperature logs for medicine storage
• Staff medicines competency assessments
• PRN (as required) medicines protocols
• Controlled drugs register (if applicable)

7. On the Day of Inspection

When an inspector arrives, be ready to:

• Greet them professionally and offer a private space to work
• Provide a list of people using the service and staff on duty
• Give immediate access to all records they request
• Make staff available for interviews
• Facilitate conversations with service users (with consent)
• Answer questions about your quality assurance processes

Final Thoughts

The best inspection preparation is simply running a good service every day. But having your documentation in order, your policies current, and your staff confident in their roles will ensure that your good practice is visible to inspectors when they arrive.

If you have specific questions about inspection preparation, our AI can give you instant answers based on official CQC guidance — or you can escalate to a qualified CQC consultant for complex situations.