HLTH editorial analysis
How the 34 current statements overlap with 24 draft KLOEs.
A cautious concept-by-concept comparison. It shows where wording overlaps, where one statement splits across draft KLOEs and where a current concept has no direct draft equivalent.
Draft, not the current assessment framework
This is CQC's adult social care draft v9, dated 19 March 2026. The current quality statements remain in use while CQC pilots and evaluates the proposed framework.
Read this first. HLTH's editorial comparison of CQC's current quality statements and the 19 March 2026 adult social care draft v9. CQC has not published this crosswalk. It does not show official equivalence, replacement or the final form of a future framework. Reviewed 17 September 2026.
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How we mapped it
- 1.We compared each current quality statement with the draft KLOE questions, scope, topic areas and rating characteristics.
- 2.We added a target only where the source text showed material conceptual overlap.
- 3.Multiple targets mean the current statement's scope is divided across draft KLOEs. They do not imply equal weight.
- 4.Unresolved concepts record material wording that is absent, less explicit or organised differently in the draft.
Confidence labels
- high
- Direct and substantial overlap in purpose and detailed content.
- medium
- Material overlap exists, but the current scope is divided, narrowed or expressed differently.
- low
- Only adjacent or partial overlap exists, so the association needs particular caution.
Statement-by-statement comparison
Safe
8 statements
Current statement 1 · Safe
Learning culture
We have a proactive and positive culture of safety based on openness and honesty, in which concerns about safety are listened to, safety events are investigated and reported thoroughly, and lessons are learned to continually identify and embed good practices.
Read the CQC sourceDraft overlap
High confidenceWhy HLTH mapped it this way
Both address an open safety culture where concerns and incidents are examined and learning drives improvement.
Current statement 2 · Safe
Safe systems, pathways and transitions
We work with people and our partners to establish and maintain safe systems of care, in which safety is managed, monitored and assured. We ensure continuity of care, including when people move between different services.
Read the CQC sourceDraft overlap
High confidenceWhy HLTH mapped it this way
Both cover collaborative safety systems, information sharing, care pathways, transitions and continuity between services.
Current statement 3 · Safe
Safeguarding
We work with people to understand what being safe means to them as well as with our partners on the best way to achieve this. We concentrate on improving people's lives while protecting their right to live in safety, free from bullying, harassment, abuse, discrimination, avoidable harm and neglect. We make sure we share concerns quickly and appropriately.
Read the CQC sourceDraft overlap
High confidenceWhy HLTH mapped it this way
Both focus on working with people and partners to prevent abuse, neglect, harassment, discrimination and improper treatment.
Current statement 4 · Safe
Involving people to manage risks
We work with people to understand and manage risks by thinking holistically so that care meets their needs in a way that is safe and supportive and enables them to do the things that matter to them.
Read the CQC sourceDraft overlap
High confidenceWhy HLTH mapped it this way
Both require person-centred, proportionate risk management that protects safety while respecting rights, choices and positive risk-taking.
Current statement 5 · Safe
Safe environments
We detect and control potential risks in the care environment. We make sure that the equipment, facilities and technology support the delivery of safe care.
Read the CQC sourceDraft overlap
High confidenceWhy HLTH mapped it this way
Both cover detecting and controlling risks associated with premises, equipment, facilities and technology.
Current statement 6 · Safe
Safe and effective staffing
We make sure there are enough qualified, skilled and experienced people, who receive effective support, supervision and development. They work together effectively to provide safe care that meets people's individual needs.
Read the CQC sourceDraft overlap
High confidenceWhy HLTH mapped it this way
Both address sufficient staffing, suitable skills and experience, recruitment, supervision, support and development.
Current statement 7 · Safe
Infection prevention and control
We assess and manage the risk of infection. We detect and control the risk of it spreading and share any concerns with appropriate agencies promptly.
Read the CQC sourceDraft overlap
High confidenceWhy HLTH mapped it this way
Draft safe KLOE 5 incorporates infection prevention and control, including managing transmission risks and sharing relevant information.
Current statement 8 · Safe
Medicines optimisation
We make sure that medicines and treatments are safe and meet people's needs, capacities and preferences by enabling them to be involved in planning, including when changes happen.
Read the CQC sourceDraft overlap
High confidenceWhy HLTH mapped it this way
Both cover safe medicines and treatments delivered according to people's needs, preferences, capacity and involvement in decisions.
Less explicit or unresolved
- Involvement specifically when medicines or treatments change is less explicit in the draft wording.
Effective
6 statements
Current statement 9 · Effective
Assessing needs
We maximise the effectiveness of people's care and treatment by assessing and reviewing their health, care, wellbeing and communication needs with them.
Read the CQC sourceDraft overlap
High confidenceWhy HLTH mapped it this way
Both require assessment and review with people across health, care, wellbeing and communication needs.
Current statement 10 · Effective
Delivering evidence-based care and treatment
We plan and deliver people's care and treatment with them, including what is important and matters to them. We do this in line with legislation and current evidence-based good practice and standards.
Read the CQC sourceDraft overlap
High confidenceWhy HLTH mapped it this way
Both connect care planning with people's priorities, legislation, evidence-based standards and recognised good practice.
Current statement 11 · Effective
How staff, teams and services work together
We work effectively across teams and services to support people. We make sure they only need to tell their story once by sharing their assessment of needs when they move between different services.
Read the CQC sourceDraft overlap
Medium confidence- Safe KLOE 3: Safe systems, pathways and transitions
- Responsive KLOE 1: Care provision, integration and continuity
Why HLTH mapped it this way
Safe KLOE 3 covers assessment sharing and continuity during moves between services. Responsive KLOE 1 covers coordinated working across teams and services.
Less explicit or unresolved
- The expectation that people should only need to tell their story once is not stated explicitly in either draft KLOE.
Current statement 12 · Effective
Supporting people to live healthier lives
We support people to manage their health and wellbeing so they can maximise their independence, choice and control. We support them to live healthier lives and where possible, reduce their future needs for care and support.
Read the CQC sourceDraft overlap
High confidenceWhy HLTH mapped it this way
Both cover helping people manage their health and wellbeing, maintain independence and prevent deterioration.
Less explicit or unresolved
- Reducing future need for care and support is not stated directly.
Current statement 13 · Effective
Monitoring and improving outcomes
We routinely monitor people's care and treatment to continuously improve it. We ensure that outcomes are positive and consistent, and that they meet both clinical expectations and the expectations of people themselves.
Read the CQC sourceDraft overlap
High confidenceWhy HLTH mapped it this way
Draft effective KLOE 2 includes monitoring care effectiveness and individual outcomes, then acting to improve them.
Less explicit or unresolved
- The current statement's explicit reference to clinical expectations is less visible in the draft wording.
Current statement 14 · Effective
Consent to care and treatment
We tell people about their rights around consent and respect these when we deliver person-centred care and treatment.
Read the CQC sourceDraft overlap
High confidenceWhy HLTH mapped it this way
Both address communicating consent rights and supporting people to understand and exercise those rights.
Caring
5 statements
Current statement 15 · Caring
Kindness, compassion and dignity
We always treat people with kindness, empathy and compassion and we respect their privacy and dignity. We treat colleagues from other organisations with kindness and respect.
Read the CQC sourceDraft overlap
High confidenceWhy HLTH mapped it this way
Both centre kindness, empathy, compassion, respect, privacy and dignity.
Less explicit or unresolved
- Respect towards colleagues from other organisations is not stated explicitly.
Current statement 16 · Caring
Treating people as individuals
We treat people as individuals and make sure their care, support and treatment meets their needs and preferences. We take account of their strengths, abilities, aspirations, culture and unique backgrounds and protected characteristics.
Read the CQC sourceDraft overlap
Medium confidenceWhy HLTH mapped it this way
Caring KLOE 2 covers personalised care, identity, preferences and cultural needs. Caring KLOE 3 covers strengths, abilities, aspirations and personal goals.
Less explicit or unresolved
- The current statement combines identity, strengths and aspirations, while the draft divides them across two KLOEs.
Current statement 17 · Caring
Independence, choice and control
We promote people's independence, so they know their rights and have choice and control over their own care, treatment and wellbeing.
Read the CQC sourceDraft overlap
High confidenceWhy HLTH mapped it this way
Both focus on independence, rights, choice, control and participation in decisions about care and wellbeing.
Current statement 18 · Caring
Responding to people's immediate needs
We listen to and understand people's needs, views and wishes. We respond to these in that moment and will act to minimise any discomfort, concern or distress.
Read the CQC sourceDraft overlap
High confidenceWhy HLTH mapped it this way
Draft caring KLOE 1 explicitly covers listening, anticipating needs and responding promptly to emotions, discomfort, distress and urgent needs.
Current statement 19 · Caring
Workforce wellbeing and enablement
We care about and promote the wellbeing of our staff, and we support and enable them to always deliver person centred care.
Read the CQC sourceDraft overlap
High confidenceWhy HLTH mapped it this way
Both cover workforce wellbeing, compassionate support and a working culture that helps staff provide good care.
Responsive
7 statements
Current statement 20 · Responsive
Person-centred care
We make sure people are at the centre of their care and treatment choices and we decide, in partnership with them, how to respond to any relevant changes in their needs.
Read the CQC sourceDraft overlap
High confidenceWhy HLTH mapped it this way
Draft caring KLOE 2 directly covers placing people at the centre of choices, shared decisions and responses to changing needs.
Current statement 21 · Responsive
Care provision, integration, and continuity
We understand the diverse health and care needs of people and our local communities, so care is joined-up, flexible and supports choice and continuity.
Read the CQC sourceDraft overlap
High confidenceWhy HLTH mapped it this way
Both cover care that reflects diverse needs and is joined-up, flexible and supportive of choice and continuity.
Less explicit or unresolved
- Understanding the needs of local communities is less explicit in responsive KLOE 1.
Current statement 22 · Responsive
Providing information
We provide appropriate, accurate and up-to-date information in formats that we tailor to individual needs.
Read the CQC sourceDraft overlap
High confidenceWhy HLTH mapped it this way
Draft responsive KLOE 4 covers current, accessible information tailored to communication needs, including interpretation and alternative formats.
Less explicit or unresolved
- Accuracy of information is not stated as directly as accessibility and currency.
Current statement 23 · Responsive
Listening to and involving people
We make it easy for people to share feedback and ideas or raise complaints about their care, treatment and support. We involve them in decisions about their care and tell them what's changed as a result.
Read the CQC sourceDraft overlap
High confidenceWhy HLTH mapped it this way
Both cover accessible feedback and complaints, collaborative responses, action on concerns and explaining what changed.
Less explicit or unresolved
- Involvement in individual care decisions is not a primary focus of responsive KLOE 2.
- The current wording does not establish the service-level co-production required for a direct well-led KLOE 5 mapping.
Current statement 24 · Responsive
Equity in access
We make sure that everyone can access the care, support and treatment they need when they need it.
Read the CQC sourceDraft overlap
High confidenceWhy HLTH mapped it this way
Both require timely and equitable access to needed care, support and treatment.
Current statement 25 · Responsive
Equity in experiences and outcomes
We actively seek out and listen to information about people who are most likely to experience inequality in experience or outcomes. We tailor the care, support and treatment in response to this.
Read the CQC sourceDraft overlap
Medium confidence- Responsive KLOE 4: Equity in experiences
- Effective KLOE 2: Evidence-based care and equitable outcomes
Why HLTH mapped it this way
Responsive KLOE 4 covers identifying and reducing inequalities in people's experiences. Effective KLOE 2 covers equitable outcomes and action on outcome barriers.
Less explicit or unresolved
- The combined focus on unequal experiences and outcomes is divided across two draft KLOEs.
Current statement 26 · Responsive
Planning for the future
We support people to plan for important life changes, so they can have enough time to make informed decisions about their future, including at the end of their life.
Read the CQC sourceDraft overlap
High confidenceWhy HLTH mapped it this way
Draft caring KLOE 3 explicitly covers future care preferences, important life changes, advance decisions and end-of-life planning.
Well-led
8 statements
Current statement 27 · Well-led
Shared direction and culture
We have a shared vision, strategy and culture. This is based on transparency, equity, equality and human rights, diversity and inclusion, engagement, and understanding challenges and the needs of people and our communities in order to meet these.
Read the CQC sourceDraft overlap
High confidenceWhy HLTH mapped it this way
Both cover shared vision, strategy, values and culture informed by equality, human rights and people's current and future needs.
Current statement 28 · Well-led
Capable, compassionate and inclusive leaders
We have inclusive leaders at all levels who understand the context in which we deliver care, treatment and support and embody the culture and values of their workforce and organisation. They have the skills, knowledge, experience and credibility to lead effectively. They do so with integrity, openness and honesty.
Read the CQC sourceDraft overlap
High confidenceWhy HLTH mapped it this way
Both address capable, experienced and compassionate leaders who act with accountability, integrity, openness and empathy.
Current statement 29 · Well-led
Freedom to speak up
We foster a positive culture where people feel that they can speak up and that their voice will be heard.
Read the CQC sourceDraft overlap
Medium confidenceWhy HLTH mapped it this way
Draft well-led KLOE 2 directly covers speaking-up and whistleblowing cultures where staff can raise concerns without blame or negative treatment.
Less explicit or unresolved
- The draft locates speaking up primarily within workforce culture, while the current statement refers more broadly to people.
Current statement 30 · Well-led
Workforce equality, diversity and inclusion
We value diversity in our workforce. We work towards an inclusive and fair culture by improving equality and equity for people who work for us.
Read the CQC sourceDraft overlap
High confidenceWhy HLTH mapped it this way
Both address workforce equality, diversity, inclusion, equitable treatment and action against discrimination.
Current statement 31 · Well-led
Governance, management and sustainability
We have clear responsibilities, roles, systems of accountability and good governance. We use these to manage and deliver good quality, sustainable care, treatment and support. We act on the best information about risk, performance and outcomes, and we share this securely with others when appropriate.
Read the CQC sourceDraft overlap
High confidenceWhy HLTH mapped it this way
Both cover roles, responsibilities, accountability, governance, risk, performance, records and secure information management.
Less explicit or unresolved
- Sustainable care delivery is not explicit in well-led KLOE 4. The draft places service sustainability under well-led KLOE 1.
Current statement 32 · Well-led
Partnerships and communities
We understand our duty to collaborate and work in partnership, so our services work seamlessly for people. We share information and learning with partners and collaborate for improvement.
Read the CQC sourceDraft overlap
High confidenceWhy HLTH mapped it this way
Both cover partnership working, collaboration, shared learning, community relationships and service improvement.
Less explicit or unresolved
- An explicit duty to collaborate is not stated in the draft KLOE.
Current statement 33 · Well-led
Learning, improvement and innovation
We focus on continuous learning, innovation and improvement across our organisation and the local system. We encourage creative ways of delivering equality of experience, outcome and quality of life for people. We actively contribute to safe, effective practice and research.
Read the CQC sourceDraft overlap
High confidenceWhy HLTH mapped it this way
Both focus on continuous improvement, innovation, learning, evidence and research.
Less explicit or unresolved
- Explicit contribution across the local system is less prominent in well-led KLOE 6.
- Equality of experience and outcomes is not stated as directly in well-led KLOE 6.
Current statement 34 · Well-led
Environmental sustainability - sustainable development
We understand any negative impact of our activities on the environment and we strive to make a positive contribution in reducing it and support people to do the same.
Read the CQC sourceDraft overlap
Low confidenceNo direct draft equivalent identified.
Why HLTH mapped it this way
No draft KLOE directly carries forward reducing a service's negative environmental impact. Service sustainability in well-led KLOE 1 and climate-event resilience in well-led KLOE 4 are adjacent concepts, but neither preserves environmental-impact reduction.
Less explicit or unresolved
- Understanding and reducing negative environmental impact
- Making a positive environmental contribution
- Supporting people to reduce environmental impact
Want to know how your service would fare?
Book a mock inspection run against the draft KLOEs, or call 020 8090 5346 to speak to one of our experts.