The CQC inspects all registered care homes to make sure they meet national minimum standards, which are set by the Department of Health. The CQC only registers care homes if they meet these standards.

National minimum standards set acceptable levels of things like:

• health and safety
• access to facilities
• access to education and employment
• quality of furnishings and fittings
• personal care

Further information

Care Quality Commission (CQC) website for full details on the standards: http://www.cqc.org.uk/guidanceforprofessionals/adultsocialcare/nationalminimumstandards.cfm

Department of Health: National Minimum Standards: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_4005819

SCIE People Management: A guide to the legal requirements for training in the social care sector: http://www.scie-peoplemanagement.org.uk/resource/docPreview.asp?docID=9