The CQC focus on Safe begins by looking at how your service protects people from avoidable harm.
They’ll be wanting to know that you are consistent in how you protect people … and that your staff is trained, capable and confident to discuss Safeguarding with people.
This will require you to demonstrate how you engage with people and better understand what safe means to them, putting into practice what is needed to meet their needs.
The CQC will want to know there is Safeguarding expertise in your organisation, which might mean higher levels of training for your managers or Champions, as well as looking at how you connect with local experts, such as Safeguarding Teams.
You will be expected to deliver person-centred care that protects people from bullying, harassment, abuse, discrimination, avoidable harm, and neglect.
Your safeguarding policies and procedures will need to reflect the latest legislation and guidance. Keep them regularly reviewed and effectively communicated. This is equally true for your Whistleblowing policies.
Continue to monitor how you are performing in regard to Safeguarding, looking for opportunities to improve. Where problems are identified, clearly record the issues and what actions were taken to resolve them.
In advance of their monitoring and inspection, the CQC will be looking at the notifications and safeguarding alerts that have been raised by your service. Be prepared to discuss these with the inspectors, including what actions were taken.
The CQC inspector may choose to interview people, family, friends, and relatives. They’ll also want to speak to managers and staff.
The inspectors may choose to observe how your staff engage and interact with people, looking at how safety and safeguarding is supported.
The CQC inspectors may ask to review or view examples of the following:
safeguarding records, including alerts and investigations
notifications
complaints and compliments
and staff training and induction records.
So please take a look at the recommendations, examples, and resources in GO Online to help you to meet or exceed CQC Safeguarding expectations.
Watch the film here: https://vimeo.com/789624468