Getting a Requires Improvement rating from the CQC can feel disheartening, but it is not the end of the road. In fact, it can be a turning point. The rating means there are things to work on, but with the right approach you can make real improvements and be in a strong position to achieve a Good rating next time.

The key is not to see this as a box ticking exercise but as a chance to make lasting changes that genuinely improve the care and experience for the people you support. Here are five practical steps you can take to turn things around.

 

1. Understand Exactly Why You Got the Rating

Before you can improve, you have to know what went wrong. That starts with reading your CQC report carefully.

Look for the specific points they raise. Are they about safety, leadership, responsiveness or something else? Once you have those details, involve your team in going through them together. Everyone should be crystal clear on what the issues are and what needs to change.

HLTH Group Pro Tip: Hold a team meeting where you translate the report into plain, everyday language. Break it down into clear action points and assign someone to lead on each one. This avoids confusion and gets everyone pulling in the same direction.

 

2. Make Sure You Are Actually Following Your Policies and Procedures

It is one thing to have policies written up and sitting in a folder. It is another thing for everyone to understand them and follow them in day-to-day work. The CQC will notice if there is a gap between what your policies say and what is happening in practice.

Go through each policy and check that it is still relevant, up to date and understood by staff. If people are unsure about parts of it, arrange refresher sessions. Watch how things are done in practice and see if they line up with the written procedure.

And if you find that your policies are out of date or not fit for purpose, HLTH Group can help. We write clear, easy to follow policies that are tailored to your service, so staff not only understand them but actually use them.

HLTH Group Pro Tip: Choose one policy each month and do a quick spot check with staff. Ask them to explain it in their own words and show how they follow it. This makes it easier to catch gaps before the CQC does.

 

3. Create a Clear Improvement Plan

Once you know what the issues are and you are confident your policies are in order, you need a plan that sets out exactly how you will make changes.

Write down what needs to be done, who will do it, and when it needs to be completed. Keep it realistic but make sure each action has a clear deadline. Share the plan with your team so everyone knows what is happening and how they can contribute.

HLTH Group Pro Tip: Put a simplified version of the plan somewhere staff will see it every day, such as the staff room noticeboard. Update it regularly so people can see progress and feel motivated.

 

4. Focus on Staff Training and Support

Sometimes a Requires Improvement rating comes down to gaps in staff knowledge, confidence or consistency. Look at your training records and see if there are missing or overdue courses. Arrange refresher sessions in key areas like safeguarding, infection control and record keeping.

Supervision is just as important as training. Regular one to one meetings help staff feel supported and give you the chance to check they are putting their learning into practice.

HLTH Group Pro Tip: Add a short learning slot to team meetings. Even ten minutes spent discussing a real situation from recent practice can help turn theory into habit.

 

5. Collect and Use Feedback

Improvement is easier when you involve the people who use your service, their families and your staff. Set up regular opportunities for feedback through surveys, conversations or meetings. Look for patterns in what people are saying and take action on the common themes.

Show people that you are acting on their feedback. When you make a change based on a suggestion, let everyone know. This shows the CQC you are responsive and willing to learn.

HLTH Group Pro Tip: Keep a simple feedback log that lists each comment or suggestion, what you did about it and when. This makes it easy to show inspectors real examples of improvement.

 

Bringing It All Together

Turning a Requires Improvement rating into a Good rating is completely achievable when you take a focused, team effort approach. Understand what went wrong, make sure you are following your policies, create a realistic plan, give staff the training and support they need and listen to feedback from the people who matter most.

When you can show the CQC that you have addressed their concerns and embedded those changes into everyday practice, you will be in a strong position for your next inspection.