The standard care providers are assessed against today
Under the key question Caring, CQC's quality statement on Workforce wellbeing and enablement reads:
"We care about and promote the wellbeing of our staff, and we support and enable them to always deliver person centred care."
CQC describes what that means in practice: the resources and facilities for safe working, such as regular breaks and rest areas; regular chances for staff to give feedback and raise concerns; a culture of open conversation about wellbeing; support for anyone who is struggling at work; personalised support that recognises a diverse workforce; and staff who feel valued and have a say in decisions. Those are the topics H121Wellness covers.
CQC is changing how it assesses services. It has consulted on a new, draft framework for adult social care. In the draft, staff wellbeing moves to the key question Well-led, under Workforce equity and culture. CQC has said it plans to finalise its new frameworks and start using them, and the draft can still change. When the final framework is published, we'll update this page.
Sources: CQC assessment framework, Workforce wellbeing and enablement (page last updated 22 February 2024); CQC, draft adult social care assessment framework v9. H121Wellness is independent and has no connection with CQC.
What each issue covers
Rest and safe working: breaks, rest areas and the basics staff need to work safely.
Being heard: simple ways for staff to give feedback and raise concerns, and how to respond in good time.
Culture: open conversations about wellbeing that don't wait for a crisis.
When someone is struggling: what support can look like, and where to point people.
Workload and lone working: caseloads, travel time, and staying safe when working alone.
Feeling valued: recognition, belonging and a real say in decisions.
Who it's for
Care-business owners, registered managers and team leaders first: the people CQC holds to this statement. Care workers and family carers are welcome too. Most issues are about looking after yourself as well as your team.
A line we keep
Any product we mention is for your own wellbeing, never for the people you support. What the people in your care take is a matter for their care plan, your medicines policy and their GP or pharmacist.