CQC Preparation
Mock CQC Inspections
Rigorous, evidence-based mock inspections that give you an honest picture of your service's CQC position, identify compliance gaps and provide a clear path to improvement before your real inspection.
Why a Mock Inspection Matters
Know Your Position Before CQC Does
A CQC inspection is one of the most significant events for any registered provider. The outcome affects your reputation, your ability to operate and, most importantly, the confidence of the people you support and their families. Yet many providers face inspection having never had an independent, objective assessment of where they truly stand.
An AJG Advisory mock inspection gives you exactly that: a thorough, honest and experienced assessment of your service against current CQC standards. Led personally by Jack Andrew Green, who has direct experience of managing and preparing for CQC inspections across multiple service types, every mock inspection is designed to replicate the real thing as closely as possible.
The result is not simply a list of concerns. It is a detailed, evidence-based report with a prioritised action plan that enables your leadership team to act quickly, confidently and with clear direction.
Learn about our full CQC consultancy service Explore our compliance audit service
Mock inspections available for:
Adult Social Care
Domiciliary Care
Supported Living
Care Homes
Complex Care
Learning Disabilities
The Five Key Questions
What We Assess
Every mock inspection follows the CQC five key questions framework, assessing your service across all dimensions that CQC inspectors will evaluate.
Safe
People are protected from abuse and avoidable harm. Staffing levels, medication management, infection control and safeguarding systems are reviewed in full.
Effective
People receive care based on best practice guidance. Outcomes, staff training, consent and MCA compliance are examined against current standards.
Caring
Staff treat people with compassion, dignity and respect. Observation of interactions, care planning documentation and person-centred approaches are evaluated.
Responsive
Services meet individual needs and respond to complaints effectively. Person-centred care planning, complaint handling and capacity planning are reviewed.
Well-led
Governance, leadership and culture are assessed. Quality assurance systems, board oversight, staff engagement and continuous improvement evidence are examined.
How It Works
The Mock Inspection Process
01
Pre-Inspection Review
A thorough review of key documents before the inspection day, including policies, care plans, training records, audits and incident logs. This allows the inspection to focus on evidence and observation rather than paperwork retrieval.
02
On-Site Inspection Day
A full-day inspection carried out at your service using current CQC methodology. Observations, interviews with staff and service users, and document review are all conducted as a real inspection would be.
03
Detailed Written Report
A comprehensive written report following the five CQC key questions. Strengths are acknowledged, compliance gaps are clearly identified, and each area of concern is evidenced.
04
Prioritised Action Plan
A structured action plan categorising findings by priority and regulatory risk. Each action includes a suggested owner and timeframe to make implementation straightforward.
05
Follow-Up Support
Ongoing support to implement recommendations, review progress and prepare for the actual CQC inspection. Available as a standalone follow-up visit or telephone and email support.
Related Services
Complementary Support
Compliance Audits \ Detailed regulatory audits producing a clear, prioritised action plan across all compliance areas.\ → Governance Reviews \ Assessment of your governance systems and quality assurance processes to identify structural weaknesses.\ → Registered Manager Support \ Ongoing coaching, mentoring and advisory support for Registered Managers navigating CQC requirements.\ →
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a mock CQC inspection take?
A typical mock inspection takes a full working day on site, plus a pre-inspection document review. For larger or multi-site services, additional time may be needed. The written report and action plan are usually provided within five working days.
Will the mock inspection follow current CQC methodology?
Yes. All mock inspections are carried out using the current CQC assessment framework, quality statements and evidence categories. The approach is updated whenever CQC publishes significant methodology changes.
Can a mock inspection help a service that already has a Good rating?
Absolutely. Many providers with Good ratings use mock inspections to identify areas that could support an Outstanding rating, or to maintain their current position. Regular mock inspections also provide board-level assurance about service quality.
What happens if the mock inspection identifies serious concerns?
Any significant concerns are communicated directly on the day so that urgent remedial action can begin immediately, rather than waiting for the written report. Where risks to people are identified, these are always escalated promptly.
How far in advance should I book a mock inspection?
Ideally, at least four to six weeks before an anticipated CQC inspection. However, urgent appointments can often be arranged at shorter notice, including within a week in some circumstances.
Do you provide mock inspections for domiciliary care agencies?
Yes. Mock inspections are available for all CQC-registered service types, including domiciliary care, supported living, care homes, extra care and complex care services.
Book a Mock Inspection
Prepare With Confidence
Speak with Jack Andrew Green directly to discuss your service's needs and arrange a mock inspection.
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