Removing the “commercial penalty” of legacy ratings

In the current adult social care climate, a provider’s official rating is often a snapshot of the past, not a reflection of the present. This “regulatory lag” isn’t just a reputational issue; it can carry  a heavy commercial penalty. For many with Requires Improvement or Inadequate ratings, it means being locked out of commissioning frameworks or paying significantly higher insurance premiums.

Providers are increasingly turning to external consultancy services and independent consultants to bridge the gap. However, without a verified standard, how can providers be sure the advice they procure has the potential to satisfy the regulator?

The Care Consultant Accreditation Framework (C-CAF) have created a robust methodical process and mechanism to support care providers during the interim period of waiting re-inspection to present a current up to date equivalent CQC rating; The Mock Inspection Peer Review (MIPR).

The MIPR consists of a triplicate review which is not dissimilar to a traditional mock inspection but with the following exceptions:

• The mock inspection is firstly carried out by a consultant or consultancy which has been accredited by C-CAF and has evidenced that they have the skills, experience, and knowledge required to carry out such assessment.
• Once the inspection has been carried out, the care provider completes a ‘sign off’ process
• This is then submitted to the C-CAF peer review panel, and the report is analysed using the Smart Care Intel portal to compare the findings to over 100,000 historic CQC reports.
• Once the peer review process is complete at the C-CAF panel, the report is published online and can be shared with public directories.
• Care providers can then evidence their quality in real time to an equivalent CQC standard.

The MIPR ultimately supports the vision at C-CAF, to shine a spotlight on high quality care consultants operating within the care sector, while also adding a layer of protection and safeguarding for care providers.

C-CAF has a free online directory of all accredited both consultancy services and independent consultants? Care Providers are free to search for consultants based on their location, specialism, and availability.

C-CAF stands by a code of ethics for care consultants who are held to account in meeting the necessary standards. The directory encourages care providers to provide feedback on post engagement.

To find out more?

View our recent podcast at: https://youtu.be/piO9iL7pNMk

Join C-CAF and Care England on 5th May to discuss how to turn quality assurance into a credible, verified asset, that has the potential to satisfy commissioners, insurers, and inspectors