Prompts that may be used by CQC inspectors to explore this…
W1.1 Are managers aware of, and do they keep under review, the day-to-day culture in the service, including the attitudes, values and behaviour of staff and whether they feel positive and proud to work in the organisation?
W1.2 How does the service promote and support fairness, transparency and an open culture for staff?
W1.3 How do managers make sure that staff are supported, respected and valued; have their rights and wellbeing protected; and are motivated, caring and open?
W1.4 Does the service show honesty and transparency from all levels of staff and leadership following an incident? How is this shared with people using the service and their families in line with the duty of candour, and how does the service support them?
W1.5 Do leaders have the skills, knowledge, experience and integrity they need to lead effectively – both when they are appointed and on an ongoing basis?
W1.6 Does the service have, and keep under review, a clear vision and a set of values that includes a person-centred culture, involvement, compassion, dignity, independence, respect, equality, wellbeing and safety? How do leaders make sure these are effectively embedded into practice? Do all staff understand and promote them?
W1.7 Is the leadership visible and capable at all levels and does it inspire staff to provide a quality service?
W1.8 Do managers and staff have a shared understanding of the key challenges, achievements, concerns and risks?
W1.9 How does the organisation promote equality and inclusion within its workforce?
W1.10 Are there cooperative, supportive and appreciative relationships among staff? Do staff and teams work collaboratively, share responsibility and resolve conflict quickly and constructively?
Products that can help include...
Healthy workplaces: improving employee mental and physical health and wellbeing (2017) (QS147)
Healthy workplaces: improving employee mental and physical health and wellbeing (2017) (QS147)
NICE quality standard on the health and wellbeing of all employees. It includes statements and measures on
- The role of line managers
- Identifying and managing stress
- Employee involvement in decision-making
In particular, please see statements 1, 2, 3 & 4.
Culture toolkit
Culture toolkit
Use the activty sheets and good practice examples in our Culture toolkit to embed a positive workplace culture in your organisation. It is an inclusive and empowering culture is hugely important for staff.
A Positive culture (Good and outstanding care guide)
A Positive culture (Good and outstanding care guide)
Recommendations and practical examples from services rated good and outstanding including;
- Put people who need care and support at the heart of the service, ensure managers and leaders are visible and approachable etc.
- Avoid managers and leaders who make decisions in isolation, blame cultures, "them and us" between management and staff etc.
Values based recruitment and retention Values based recruitment and retention
In the workplace they are guiding principles linked to behaviours that help people deliver exceptional care and support. A values-based approach to recruitment and retention involves establishing strong workplace values and ensuring that your workforce matches them. Doing this will help to reduce time and wasted resources in recruiting the wrong people. Skills for Care has produced a range of resources to help you recruit for values including;
- A film providing an overview of values based recruitment
- Workshops helping you to deepen your knowledge
- Seminars to help you to learn more about putting this into practice
Vision, values and strategy (Good and outstanding care guide) Vision, values and strategy (Good and outstanding care guide)
Recommendations and practical examples from services rated good and outstanding including;
- Involve people and staff in the shaping of the vision, set aspirational but achievable targets etc.
- Avoid unrealistic visions, values and strategies, people and staff who do not believe or remember the vision and values etc.
Knowledge, experience and integrity (Good and outstanding care guide) Knowledge, experience and integrity (Good and outstanding care guide)
Recommendations and practical examples from services rated good and outstanding including;
- Ensure managers and leaders have care sector experience and qualifications, lead by example etc.
- Avoid a lack of clear leadership, managers not capable of handling escalated issues etc.
A Better Life for older people with high support needs: the role of social care (2014) A Better Life for older people with high support needs: the role of social care (2014)
This report identifies resources to support practitioners address the challenges in their practice and relationships with older people with high support needs to improve choice, control and quality in their lives.
NG86 People's experience in adult social care services: improving the experience of care and support for people using adult social care services (2018) NG86 People's experience in adult social care services: improving the experience of care and support for people using adult social care services (2018)
This guideline covers the care and support of adult's receiving social care in their own homes, residential care and community settings. It aims to help people understand what care they can expect and to improve their experience by supporting them to make decisions about their care.
NG93 Learning disabilities and behaviour that challenges: service design and delivery (2018) NG93 Learning disabilities and behaviour that challenges: service design and delivery (2018)
This guideline covers services for children, young people and adults with a learning disability (or autism and a learning disability) and behaviour that challenges. It aims to promote a lifelong approach to supporting people and their families and carers, focusing on prevention and early intervention and minimising inpatient admissions.
Preparing for inspection Preparing for inspection
Skills for Care helps providers to prepare for the next CQC inspection. Our one day seminar and associated consultancy support can help care providers to be better prepared for the CQC visit and effectively evidence the standards of care they are delivering. The seminar looks at;
- Understanding what the CQC will be looking at
- How to gather and share evidence
- What sets different ratings apart
- How other services prepare
Care Manager Starter Pack Care Manager Starter Pack
The Care Manager Starter Pack brings together 4 of Skills for Care's most popular publications aimed at supporting new managers. It includes;
- Becoming a manager - how to induct yourself effectively into the role
- Good and outstanding care guide - how to prepare the service will meet the CQC Fundamental Standards
- Effective supervision guide
- Effective workplace assessment guide
CPD modules for managers
CPD modules for managers
We've developed three new continuing professional development (CPD) modules aimed at registered managers and other managers currently working in adult social care services. The courses avaialble are;
- Understanding Performance Management
- Understanding Self-management Skills
- Understanding Workplace Culture
The CPD modules are exclusively delivered by our endorsed providers.
Lead to succeed Lead to succeed
This programme is designed to help aspiring leaders and managers to develop their leadership and management potential.
The programme will teach how successful behaviours and practical strategies can support leaders in their day to day work, as well as considering how they could implement these behaviours and strategies, now and in the future.
It covers:
- successful behaviours for leaders and managers
- developing a positive culture
- effective supervision
- leading and managing the process of change
- leading and managing the inspection process.
