CQC quality statement — Caring
Independence, choice and control
"We promote people's independence, so they know their rights and have choice and control over their own care, treatment and wellbeing." In MyCareCompliance, 4 mapped checks across 4 audit templates map to this quality statement.
Last reviewed: September 2026. This guidance reflects CQC information available at the date above — always refer to cqc.org.uk for current regulatory requirements.
How we check it
Each check below is a real question from a MyCareCompliance audit template. It names the regulation it evidences, describes what an auditor looks for in good and poor practice, and lists the evidence an inspector would expect you to produce.
- 4 mapped checks under the "Independence, choice and control" quality statement
- Evidences 2 regulations: Regulation 10 — Dignity and respect, Regulation 9 — Person-centred care
- Failed checks become tracked improvement actions with an owner, due date and evidence
The 4 checks
- Regulation 10 — Dignity and respectMCA / Consent / Best Interests
Do daily care records evidence that staff seek ongoing, day-to-day consent and respect the person's choices before providing care?
What we look for: Sample daily notes over a one-week period for 3 people. Look for evidence that staff offer choices (e.g., food, clothing, timings) and respect refusals of care. Fails if notes only read 'care given as per plan' without reflecting the person's daily consent.
Evidence: Daily log notes, Care worker logs, MAR charts
- Regulation 10 — Dignity and respectMoving & Handling
Are service users involved in decisions about their moving and handling, and is their dignity maintained?
What we look for: Review daily notes and care plans for evidence that the person's preferences (e.g., how they like to be positioned) are respected. Good looks like staff explaining what they are doing before moving the person and ensuring they are covered/comfortable. Fail if there are complaints about rough handling or ignoring preferences.
Evidence: Care plan signatures, feedback surveys, daily care notes, review meeting minutes.
- Regulation 9 — Person-centred careNutrition & Hydration
Do care logs demonstrate that people are offered meaningful choices for their meals and supported to maintain independence?
What we look for: Read daily notes to verify staff ask people what they want to eat, rather than deciding for them. Look for evidence of staff supporting people to prepare their own food where safe and appropriate.
Evidence: Daily care records, service user feedback, care plan reviews
- Regulation 9 — Person-centred careRisk Assessments Audit
Do risk assessments demonstrate support for positive risk-taking and the promotion of the person's independence?
What we look for: Look for evidence that risks are not used as a blanket reason to restrict independence. Good practice shows discussions with the person about the risks they choose to take (e.g., walking without an aid) and how staff support this safely.
Evidence: Positive risk-taking assessments, mental capacity assessments, consent forms
Other Caring quality statements
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