We have highlighted some questions which the CQC inspector might ask you as part of the fit-person interview.
We currently have a bank of possible 150 questions CQC fit person interview questions and answers. These questions are in sets of six. Each set has twenty-five questions and is priced at £8.99. There is a discount for ordering multiple sets. You can order the CQC questions and answers from here.
We also offer a monthly membership service for £8.99 where we have some articles for individuals registering for supported living and children services. We have also covered topics such as having a home office, securing insurance, having a dual role of being the nominated individual and registered manager. There are other benefits to being a member such as access to free courses.
1] Why have you decided to start your care business?
Avoid: Friends tell me it is a good business. It is an easy business with a lot of potential of making money. Please focus on the care side first and demonstrate you have researched and are aware of the demands of a care business and the role of a registered care manager. Avoid emphasizing experience based on just being a care worker. Focus on being in a senior role or management. You need to demonstrate you are aware of the demands of managing a regulated service.
Possible Response: I have experience of care as a supervisor. I supervised staff, worked with families and other professionals. I have been involved in care planning and ensuring the service meets CQC and local authority requirements. I believe l have the skills and knowledge of running a good care service. I am also working towards a leadership and management course.
2] Which service user bands have you applied for?
Refer to your application where you could have stated areas such as “Caring for people whose rights are restricted under the Mental Health Act, Dementia, Eating disorders, Learning disabilities, Mental health conditions, Personal care, Physical disabilities, Sensory impairments, Substance misuse problems, Caring for children (0 - 18yrs), Caring for adults under 65 yrs., Caring for adults over 65 yrs.”
3] Who is your designated safeguarding lead and what qualifications do they have?
Identify the person and their role. They are expected to be the main source of support regarding safeguarding, responding to concerns and making referrals to statutory services (local safeguarding authority). They are usually expected to have a level 3 in safeguarding as a minimum.
4] How do you make sure your clients consent to your service?
Clients should be given the opportunity to be informed about your service and agree to it. Consent forms should be completed and signed by clients or their representatives. Care workers also need to ask and seek consent when working with clients. For example, when giving personal care.
5] How does your service comply with the Mental Capacity Act?
Clients should always be presumed to have capacity unless proved otherwise. Support should be provided and any restrictions limiting liberty will need to go through best interest procedures and approval from the court of Protection. Remember the five principles of the Mental Capacity Act 1995.
Principle 1 state you should assume a person has capacity unless proven otherwise.
Under Principle 2 you should not treat people as incapable of making decisions unless all steps have been made to help them.
Principle 3 state that a person should not be treated as incapable of making a decision because their decision may seem unwise.
Under principle 4 you should always do things or take decisions for people without capacity in their best interests.
Principle 5 state that before doing something or making a decision on behalf of someone the least restrictive option should be made.
6] How do you ensure medication support is safe?
Staff should be trained and have a minimum level 2 in safe handling of medication. Mars sheets should be used a and accurately record information from prescriptions including dosage and frequency. Applying creams should also be recorded including having protocols for when as required medication such as pain-killers. As part of quality assurance, you should not just rely on training. You should be able to observe and supervise staff as part of making sure safe handling of medication.
7] How is the organisation satisfied that directors are fit and proper persons?
This can involve carrying out DBS, Credit, professional registration checks. There can also be checks to see if any directors are not barred, right to work and their social media profile. At least a minimum two references should always be collected as well. When it comes to staff, reference to safe recruitment which includes DBS checks, references. Rational and risk assessments should be in place where there are concerns.
8] How do you ensure people are supported to express their views and involved in decision making?
This can be addressed during assessments and recorded on care plans. Times when carrying out assessments could also be during when the clients are at their best, not affected by medication and more alert. They could also have support if they choose and consent during assessments. Staff should follow the wishes and preferences of clients including in relation to end of life. For example, how they want certain care to be provided such as bathing and dressing. Clients should always have a copy of their care plans and all agreements in place. Reviews should be regular to ensure an accurate record and understanding of views and wishes remains in place. You can also refer to mental capacity and possible of advocates when required.
9] How are people supported, respected and treated with dignity and promote independence?
Care plans are always personalised. The views and wishes of the clients should be recorded and acted upon whenever possible. Clients will need to be respected and addressed how they like. Privacy should be maintained by not going through personal information without consent. When providing care, this should be private and handled with care and dignity. For example, coving clients with towels during personal care and not rushing. Support can be provided without overstepping as part of promoting independence.
10] How are communication needs met including the accessible information standard?
This involves assessing communication needs following the 5 principles where you ask, record,flag, share and act to address needs. This is particularly important where you are supporting individuals and families who are disabled and have sensory needs. For example, when a client uses Makaton, procedures are put in place to do so. There might be a need to work with other professionals to address needs. Information should always be given to clients in a way they understand.
11] How do you address any concerns?
There are complaints procedures which clients are aware of, access and can use. You should be in a position to explain the steps involved in the procedures. Make reference to being transparent, promoting the right to complain, committed to resolving issues, responding effectively and learning from this. You could also consider preventative initiatives such as having a family liaison individual who can help with being preventive by addressing any issues before they become a problem.
12] How do you support your staff?
Regular quality supervision is carried out with staff. This should not be just a tick box exercise. Staff play a big role during CQC inspections. You should be approachable and ensure all staff are aware of the chain of command, roles and responsibilities. There should be investment in continuous professional opportunities for staff such as training and shadowing more experienced practitioners.
