How to Use This Template
This monthly audit template helps you maintain consistent compliance across all CQC domains. Rather than scrambling before an inspection, regular monthly audits ensure you're always prepared.
Tips for Success
- Schedule your audit at the same time each month
- Assign responsibility for each domain to a senior staff member
- Document findings and create action plans for any gaps
- Review previous month's actions before starting new audit
Safe
| Audit Item | Done |
|---|---|
Safeguarding referrals reviewed Evidence: Referral log, outcomes documented Monthly | |
Incident reports completed and analysed Evidence: Incident log, trend analysis, action plans Weekly review | |
Medication audits conducted Evidence: MAR chart audit results, CD balance checks Monthly | |
Risk assessments current Evidence: Dated reviews, updates when needs change Sample 10% monthly | |
Staffing levels adequate Evidence: Rota analysis, dependency tool usage Weekly review | |
IPC audits completed Evidence: Hand hygiene audit, environment checks Monthly | |
Equipment maintenance current Evidence: Service records, PAT testing Monthly check |
Effective
| Audit Item | Done |
|---|---|
Care plans reviewed as scheduled Evidence: Review dates, updates documented Sample 10% monthly | |
Staff training compliance Evidence: Training matrix, completion rates Monthly | |
Supervision up to date Evidence: Supervision records, dates Monthly check | |
Nutrition assessments current (MUST) Evidence: MUST scores, action for high-risk Monthly check | |
Weight monitoring completed Evidence: Weight records, referrals for loss Monthly | |
Mental capacity assessments done Evidence: MCA documentation, best interest records As needed, monthly review | |
DoLS authorisations current Evidence: DoLS register, renewal dates Monthly check |
Caring
| Audit Item | Done |
|---|---|
Resident satisfaction feedback gathered Evidence: Survey results, informal feedback Monthly | |
Family feedback reviewed Evidence: Feedback log, actions taken Monthly | |
Dignity observations conducted Evidence: Observation records, improvements Monthly | |
Life histories documented Evidence: Life history records complete Check new admissions | |
Privacy practices checked Evidence: Environment audit, practice review Monthly observation |
Responsive
| Audit Item | Done |
|---|---|
Complaints reviewed and resolved Evidence: Complaints log, outcomes, timescales Monthly | |
Activity programme reviewed Evidence: Activity records, participation rates Monthly | |
Care plans person-centred Evidence: Evidence of preferences documented Sample review | |
End of life care plans current Evidence: ACP documentation, DNACPR records Monthly check | |
Accessible information reviewed Evidence: AIS compliance check Quarterly |
Well-led
| Audit Item | Done |
|---|---|
Quality monitoring reports reviewed Evidence: Reports with actions Monthly | |
Audit action plans progressed Evidence: Action plan updates, completion dates Monthly | |
Staff meetings held Evidence: Meeting minutes, attendance Monthly | |
CQC notifications made Evidence: Notification log As required, monthly check | |
Policy review schedule followed Evidence: Policy review dates, updates Monthly check | |
Provider visits conducted Evidence: Visit reports, actions As per schedule | |
Duty of candour compliance Evidence: Notification records, being open Ongoing, monthly review |
Action Planning
For any items that reveal gaps or concerns, create an action plan:
Action Plan Template
| Issue | Action | Owner | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| e.g., 3 care plans overdue review | Complete reviews | Senior Carer | 7 days |
Tracking Progress
Keep a log of monthly audit completion and scores to track improvement over time:
- Record percentage compliance for each domain
- Track action plan completion rates
- Note trends and recurring issues
- Celebrate improvements with the team
Don't Just Tick Boxes
This audit is only valuable if you honestly assess each area and take action on gaps. A completed checklist with issues ignored won't help when CQC visits.
Related CQC Guides
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