CQC Statement of Purpose

A statement of purpose is a legally required document that sets out a care provider’s aims, objectives and the types of services they offer. It serves as a comprehensive guide to the scope and nature of care services provided, the registered provider’s ethos and the measures in place to ensure high-quality care.

For care providers in England, the CQC statement of purpose is a key document that must be carefully prepared, regularly reviewed and readily available for inspection by the CQC. This document isn’t just a formality, it’s a reflection of the provider’s commitment to delivering safe, effective, compassionate and high-quality care.

The CQC statement of purpose serves multiple purposes such as:

• Regulatory compliance – The primary function is to ensure care providers in England meet the legal requirements set out by the CQC. Non-compliance can lead to enforcement action, including fines or the closure of services.
• Transparency and trust – By clearly outlining the services offered, the aims and the standards a care provider adheres to, the statement of purpose offers a greater level of transparency. As a result, this builds trust with their care recipients, their loved ones and stakeholders.
• Operational clarity – The document provides a clear framework for the operation of the care service. It helps staff understand their roles, the scope of the services provided and the standards they must maintain. This is essential for the consistent delivery of high-quality care.
• Quality assurance – It can be used as a tool for continuous quality improvement. By regularly reviewing and updating the document, care providers can ensure that their services remain aligned with best practices and the evolving needs of care recipients.
• Inspection readiness – During a CQC inspection, the statement of purpose is one of the first documents reviewed. A well-prepared document can set a positive tone for the inspection, demonstrating that the provider is organised, compliant and focused on delivering the best care. 

A CQC statement of purpose must include specific information as outlined by the CQC. Below are the key components that should be included: 

1. Provider details:

• The name, address, and contact details of the care provider.
• The legal status of the provider (e.g., sole trader, partnership, limited company).
• The names of key individuals, such as the registered manager and nominated individuals.

2. Aims and objectives:

• A clear statement of the provider's aims and objectives, including their vision and mission.
• The provider’s commitment to quality, safety, and the well-being of service users.

3. Service user groups:

• A description of the different service user groups that the provider caters to (e.g., elderly care, dementia care, physical disabilities).
• The specific needs of these groups and how the services are tailored to meet those needs.
  
  

4. Services provided:

• A detailed description of the services offered, including residential care, nursing care, respite care, and any specialised services.
• The locations where these services are provided, if applicable.
  
  

5. Legal and professional requirements:

• Confirmation they comply with relevant legislation e.g. the Health and Social Care Act 2008.
• The qualifications and experience of the staff providing the services.
  
  

6. Quality and safety:

• An outline of the measures in place to ensure the quality and safety of the services provided, including risk assessments, care planning and safeguarding procedures.
• How feedback from individuals and their families is gathered and used to improve services.
  
  

7. Complaints and compliments:

• The process for handling complaints and compliments, including how service users can provide feedback.
• The provider's commitment to resolving complaints promptly and effectively.
  
  

8. Review and updates:

• A statement on how often the Statement of Purpose is reviewed and updated to reflect changes in services, regulations, or the provider’s operations.

Creating a comprehensive and compliant CQC statement of purpose can be a daunting and sometimes overwhelming task. However, with careful planning and attention to detail, it is possible to craft a document that doesn’t only meet regulatory requirements but also serves as a valuable operational tool. Here are some tips and best practices to consider when creating a statement of purpose.

Use a Statement of Purpose Template

To ensure that all required information is included, it can be helpful to use a CQC statement of purpose template. Templates provide a structured format that makes it easier to organise information and ensure compliance with CQC guidelines. However, it’s important to customise the template to reflect the unique aspects of each care service.

Be Clear and Concise

While the statement of purpose should be thorough, it should also be clear and concise. Avoid using jargon by sticking to plain language that can be understood by everyone (service users, their families and staff). This clarity can help avoid misunderstandings and ensures that everyone (whether they use or work for the service) is on the same page.

Reflect the Provider’s Ethos

The statement of purpose is an opportunity for providers to showcase their values and ethos. Make sure that the document clearly highlights the service’s commitment to high-quality care, dignity and respect for service users.

Involve Key Stakeholders

Involving key stakeholders, such as senior management, registered managers and frontline staff in the drafting process can provide valuable insights and ensure that the document accurately reflects the services provided. Additionally, input from individuals and their families can help make sure that the document is relevant and user-friendly.

Review Regularly

The CQC requires that the statement of purpose is regularly reviewed and updated, so those responsible for the document must keep on top of this once it has been created. This isn’t just a regularity requirement but also a best practice. Regular reviews ensure that the document remains relevant and up to date with changes in services, regulations and operational practices.

Use Real Examples

Providing a statement of purpose example within the document can help illustrate specific points and make the document more relatable. For example, if a care home specialises in dementia care, include examples of how the services are tailored to meet the needs of individuals with dementia.

Seek Professional Advice

If creators are unsure about any aspect of the statement of purpose, seeking professional advice can be an invaluable move. For example, here at The Access Group, we offer software solutions and expert guidance to help providers craft a document that meets CQC requirements and supports their operational goals. Speaking to other experts in the field is also an option.

Even with the best intentions, it can be easy to make mistakes when creating a statement of purpose. Here are some of the common mistakes to avoid:

• Overloading with information – While it’s important to be thorough, avoid overwhelming the reader with too much information. Focus on what is most important and relevant.
• Using vague language – While jargon should be avoided, make sure descriptions are specific as vague language can lead to misinterpretations and confusion when it comes to the service and its standards.
• Failing to update – An outdated statement of purpose can be problematic, particularly if the provider’s services have changed. Make sure the document is reviewed and updated regularly.
• Ignoring feedback – Failing to incorporate feedback from staff and service users can result in a statement of purpose that actually has ‘no purpose’ as it doesn’t accurately reflect the realities of the service. 
  
  

To provide a clearer understanding, here is a simplified statement of purpose example for a care home that offers dementia care. This can be adjusted and used as a template.

Provider details e.g.

1.    Provider name
2.    Address
3.    Contact details 
4.    Service type 
5.    Legal status e.g. limited company, charity, etc. 
6.    CQC registration number 
7.    Register manager
8.    Senior care staff 
9.    Care assistants (team overview) 

Service user groups e.g.  

• Elderly care: the care home provides care for elderly residents who require assistance with living activities.
• Dementia care: specialised dementia care services have been designed to support those with cognitive impairments in a safe and supportive environment. 

Aims and objectives e.g.

• The mission: at this care home, the aim is to provide compassionate, person-centred care that promotes dignity, independence and quality of life for all residents.
• Objectives: to provide a safe, welcoming environment where service users feel valued and respected. To deliver high-quality care that meets the needs of each individual. To engage service users in meaningful activities to enhance their physical, emotional and mental well-being. 

Services provided e.g.

• Residential care: 24-hour care and support for service users in a homely environment.
• Respite care: temporary care services for short-term stays, offering relief to primary caregivers.
• Dementia care: tailored care plans that address the unique needs of people with dementia, including memory care programs and safe living spaces. 

Quality and safety e.g.

• Risk management: regular risk assessments are carried out to ensure a safe environment for service users and staff. 
• Care planning: each individual has a personalised care plan that is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect their changing needs.
• Safeguarding: the service is committed to protecting service users from abuse and neglect, with robust safeguarding policies in place. 

Complaints and Compliments 

• Feedback processes: service users and their families can provide feedback through the formal complaints process, feedback forms or directly to staff. All complaints are taken seriously, and the aim is to resolve them promptly. 
• Continuous improvement: the aim is to use feedback to improve the type of service and quality of care provided and to maintain complimented areas.  

The CQC statement of purpose is way more than just a regulatory requirement. It’s a foundational document that contains the mission, values and operational details of health and social care services. A well-created statement of purpose not only ensures CQC compliance but also boosts transparency, builds trust with care recipients and guides staff to help them deliver high-quality care. By regularly updating and refining this document, care home managers can continue to align their service with its goals while responding to the evolving needs of their service users.

At The Access Group, our Care Compliance Software has been designed to help service providers simplify the process of creating, updating and managing compliance including the CQC statement of purpose. With intuitive and customisable templates and tools that guide users through each section, our software ensures that care services can remain thorough and up to date.

With the changes taking place within the CQC, we also have a very informative CQC information hub that contains all the up-to-date and need-to-know information that providers can use to navigate the expectations and requirements of CQC registration and compliance.

For more information on our Care Compliance Software, feel free to contact us today to speak to one of our friendly and helpful experts or book a demo here.