Achieve the Inspection Rating You Deserve

What Happens During a Mock CQC Inspection?

A mock CQC inspection follows the same structure and methodology as a real assessment, but takes place in a supportive, developmental context. The goal is to surface gaps before an actual inspection does — giving you the evidence, the findings, and the time to act on them. There are no surprises on the day; everything is agreed in advance so the session is as useful as possible.

Before the Inspection

Most providers benefit from two to four weeks between booking and the inspection date — enough time to pull together documents and prepare staff without letting the preparation drag on indefinitely.

• A pre-inspection questionnaire is sent to you covering your service overview, any recent incidents or complaints, and the areas you want the consultant to focus on.
• A document request list is issued in advance — this typically includes policies and procedures, a sample of care plans, training records, audit trails, and the complaints log.
• A briefing call with your consultant is scheduled to agree the scope, flag any specific concerns, and confirm the day's agenda.

On the Day

A full mock inspection runs for four to six hours on-site. The consultant works through the same framework a CQC inspector would use, structured around the five key questions: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive, and Well-led.

• Documentation is reviewed against current CQC expectations — not just whether it exists, but whether it is fit for purpose and consistently applied.
• Care delivery is observed in practice where this is appropriate to the service type.
• Staff at different levels are spoken with about their roles, training, safeguarding procedures, and how they handle specific scenarios. Staff should be prepared to give confident, evidence-based answers — not just know where to find the policy.
• The physical environment is checked for cleanliness, safety, and dignity standards.
• Where consent is given, the consultant may also speak briefly with service users or their representatives to understand their experience of care.

The Mock Inspection Report

The written report is delivered within 48 hours of the visit. It is structured against each of the five key questions and gives you a clear, honest picture of where you stand.

• Each key question receives an indicative rating: Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, or Inadequate — using the same language CQC would use.
• Findings are presented with a traffic-light action plan: red for immediate action, amber for within 30 days, and green for within 90 days.
• Recommendations are specific and actionable. You will not receive vague observations — each finding links to a concrete step you can take.

For details on the full report format, see our comprehensive mock inspection page.

How Long Does a Mock Inspection Take?

The right option depends on where you are in your inspection cycle and what you need to get out of the session.

• Full Mock Inspection — Full day (4-6 hours on-site). Best suited to services preparing for their first CQC inspection or those that want a thorough end-to-end assessment. From £1,250.
• Pre-Inspection Intensive — Half day (remote). A rapid readiness review covering evidence sampling and Quality Statement alignment, carried out in the weeks immediately before an inspection. From £595.
• Specialist / Targeted Inspection — 3-4 hours, focused on a specific area such as governance, care planning, or a single key question where concerns have been raised. From £750.

Learn more about our SAF readiness support if you are working through the Self-Assessment Framework alongside your inspection preparation.