Regulatory inspection
Evidence is structured using plain language, aligned to regulatory expectations, and supported by documented processes for CQC inspectors.
Inspection Evidence Hub
NHS Trust Version
Evidence that supports inspection and assurance activity.
This page explains how governance, safety, and learning are structured, and provides direct access to supporting documentation, processes, and records aligned to CQC Single Assessment Framework.
CQC Single Assessment Framework
Board-level oversight
System assurance
How inspection and assurance activity is supported
The platform is designed to help organisations demonstrate oversight, assurance, and learning in a consistent and auditable way.
Internal audit and assurance
Comprehensive audit trails and version controls support internal quality assurance processes and board-level oversight requirements.
Board and senior leadership oversight
Structured reporting and evidence packs support board assurance processes and executive decision-making.
Evidence by CQC Quality Statement
Direct access to evidence organised by CQC Single Assessment Framework Quality Statements.
SAFE
SAFEHow risks to people are identified and managed
- How organisational risks are identified, recorded, and reviewed
- How incidents and near misses are reported
- How serious incidents are investigated
- How learning is identified and shared
EFFECTIVE
EFFECTIVEHow care, treatment, and support achieve good outcomes
- How clinical governance is structured
- How quality improvement is monitored
- How learning informs change
Evidence links
CARING
CARINGHow people are treated with compassion and respect
- How duty of candour is applied
- How learning from harm informs improvements to care
Evidence links
RESPONSIVE
RESPONSIVEHow services respond to people's needs
- How concerns and complaints are handled
- How issues are escalated and reviewed
Evidence links
WELL-LED
WELL-LEDHow leadership, governance, and culture support safe care
- How governance arrangements are structured
- How policies are implemented and reviewed
- How leaders maintain oversight
- How learning and improvement are monitored
PSIRF alignment
How PSIRF requirements are met
How PSIRF requirements are met
Patient safety incident responses are aligned with Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF).
This includes:
- Proportionate response selection
- Focus on learning rather than blame
- Clear documentation of decisions and actions
Download inspection pack
Tools and checklists to support inspection preparation
Download inspection evidence checklist
A printable checklist summarising evidence typically requested during inspection.
Common inspector questions
Answers to frequently asked questions during CQC inspections.
What inspectors commonly ask
Evidence-based responses to typical inspection questions
"How do you know risks are being managed?"
Risks are recorded in a central register, reviewed regularly, and escalated according to defined thresholds. Oversight is maintained through governance review and reporting.
"How do you learn from incidents?"
Incidents are reviewed proportionately. Learning is identified, documented, shared, and tracked through to completion.
"How do leaders know systems are working?"
Leaders receive assurance through audit, reporting, and review of performance and learning data.
"How do you meet PSIRF requirements?"
Responses are selected proportionately, focusing on learning and improvement. Decisions and outcomes are documented.
"How do you ensure policies are followed?"
Policies are version-controlled, reviewed, and supported by training and oversight.
"How do you demonstrate a safety culture?"
Safety culture is supported through reporting processes, learning mechanisms, and leadership oversight.
Ready for inspection-ready evidence management?
Demonstrate governance, safety, and learning with structured evidence that aligns to CQC expectations.