Current CQC framework

The 34 current CQC quality statements.

These are the commitments CQC currently asks providers, commissioners and system leaders to live up to. Each statement below links to CQC's own guidance.

Current, in force

These are the quality statements in CQC's current assessment framework. They remain in use while CQC pilots and evaluates a proposed adult social care framework. Read the proposed model in the draft KLOE explorer, or compare the two in the HLTH editorial crosswalk.

CQC does not publish public quality-statement codes. HLTH preserves CQC's titles and "We" statements and links to the source page. Retrieved 17 September 2026.

Key question

Safe

8 statements

  1. Learning culture

    Read the CQC source
    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.
  2. Safe systems, pathways and transitions

    Read the CQC source
    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.
  3. 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.
  4. Involving people to manage risks

    Read the CQC source
    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.
  5. Safe environments

    Read the CQC source
    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.
  6. Safe and effective staffing

    Read the CQC source
    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.
  7. Infection prevention and control

    Read the CQC source
    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.
  8. Medicines optimisation

    Read the CQC source
    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.

Key question

Effective

6 statements

  1. We maximise the effectiveness of people's care and treatment by assessing and reviewing their health, care, wellbeing and communication needs with them.
  2. Delivering evidence-based care and treatment

    Read the CQC source
    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.
  3. How staff, teams and services work together

    Read the CQC source
    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.
  4. Supporting people to live healthier lives

    Read the CQC source
    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.
  5. Monitoring and improving outcomes

    Read the CQC source
    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.
  6. Consent to care and treatment

    Read the CQC source
    We tell people about their rights around consent and respect these when we deliver person-centred care and treatment.

Key question

Caring

5 statements

  1. Kindness, compassion and dignity

    Read the CQC source
    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.
  2. Treating people as individuals

    Read the CQC source
    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.
  3. Independence, choice and control

    Read the CQC source
    We promote people's independence, so they know their rights and have choice and control over their own care, treatment and wellbeing.
  4. Responding to people's immediate needs

    Read the CQC source
    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.
  5. Workforce wellbeing and enablement

    Read the CQC source
    We care about and promote the wellbeing of our staff, and we support and enable them to always deliver person centred care.

Key question

Responsive

7 statements

  1. Person-centred care

    Read the CQC source
    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.
  2. Care provision, integration, and continuity

    Read the CQC source
    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.
  3. Providing information

    Read the CQC source
    We provide appropriate, accurate and up-to-date information in formats that we tailor to individual needs.
  4. Listening to and involving people

    Read the CQC source
    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.
  5. Equity in access

    Read the CQC source
    We make sure that everyone can access the care, support and treatment they need when they need it.
  6. Equity in experiences and outcomes

    Read the CQC source
    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.
  7. Planning for the future

    Read the CQC source
    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.

Key question

Well-led

8 statements

  1. Shared direction and culture

    Read the CQC source
    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.
  2. Capable, compassionate and inclusive leaders

    Read the CQC source
    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.
  3. Freedom to speak up

    Read the CQC source
    We foster a positive culture where people feel that they can speak up and that their voice will be heard.
  4. Workforce equality, diversity and inclusion

    Read the CQC source
    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.
  5. Governance, management and sustainability

    Read the CQC source
    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.
  6. Partnerships and communities

    Read the CQC source
    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.
  7. Learning, improvement and innovation

    Read the CQC source
    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.
  8. Environmental sustainability - sustainable development

    Read the CQC source
    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.

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