Policy framework
Review whether policies reflect the provider type, regulated activities, operating model and responsibilities of the service.
Policies & governance
CQC Policies, Procedures & Governance Support
Support to review and strengthen policies, governance systems, audit arrangements and the evidence used to demonstrate safe, effective and well-led services.
Policies and governance
Build governance systems that work in practice
CQC policies and procedures should reflect how the service actually operates and how leaders monitor quality, safety and risk. We support providers with policy frameworks, governance systems, evidence mapping, audit arrangements and improvement tracking so that written documents connect with day-to-day practice.
For providers needing specific support with Regulation 17 Good Governance, we also provide a dedicated service covering governance oversight, records, assurance, audit and improvement evidence.
How we can help
Focused support for your CQC journey
Governance systems
Strengthen audit schedules, risk registers, incident oversight, complaints, meetings and quality-assurance arrangements.
Evidence mapping
Connect policies and governance processes to the records and operational evidence that demonstrate how systems work in practice.
Improvement tracking
Create clearer ownership, review cycles and evidence that identified actions have been completed and sustained.
Review existing policies before replacing them
The starting point is the provider’s existing documents and operating arrangements. A policy review can identify material that remains useful, areas requiring updates and gaps that need attention. Documents should describe the actual service, responsible roles and escalation routes rather than rely on generic wording that staff cannot apply.
Connect written procedures with operational evidence
A policy explains what should happen; records help demonstrate what happens in practice. For example, a complaints procedure should connect with a complaints record, management review and evidence of action where learning is identified. Similar connections are needed between incident reporting, risk review, staff communication and follow-up.
What information helps define the work?
A useful initial discussion covers the provider type, regulated activities, locations, staffing structure and the reason for seeking support. Existing policy lists, review dates, governance meeting arrangements and outstanding audit actions can help identify priorities. The documents required for a review should be agreed as part of the scope.
Keeping governance arrangements usable
Policies need clear ownership and a review process that responds to changes in the service. Governance arrangements should also show how leaders receive information, make decisions and check that agreed improvements have been completed. The scope may therefore involve policy review, governance processes or both, depending on the provider’s needs.
Related support