Audit template
Training Matrix Audit
Shows mandatory and role-specific training completion and refresher dates across the team. This template runs monthly in MyCareCompliance and carries 8 mapped checks across 5 CQC quality statements.
Last reviewed: September 2026. This guidance reflects CQC information available at the date above — always refer to cqc.org.uk for current regulatory requirements.
What the audit covers
Every question in the Training Matrix Audit is mapped to a CQC quality statement and the underlying regulation, so a failed check tells you exactly which part of the single assessment framework is at risk. This is one of the core templates we recommend for every provider.
- Runs monthly — core template
- Part of the Workforce audit category
- Maps to 3 regulations: Regulation 18 — Staffing, Regulation 13 — Safeguarding service users from abuse and improper treatment, Regulation 17 — Good governance
- Failed checks become tracked improvement actions with an owner, due date and evidence
The 8 checks
Safe and effective staffing
Safe — 3 checks- Regulation 18 — StaffingTraining Matrix Audit
Is the overall compliance rate for mandatory training above the provider's target (e.g., 90%+)?
What we look for: Review the summary percentages for core mandatory training (e.g., fire, manual handling, basic life support). Good looks like high compliance with clear action for any gaps. Fail if overall compliance drops below safe levels without mitigating action.
Evidence: Training matrix dashboard, KPI reports, Mandatory training policy
- Regulation 18 — StaffingTraining Matrix Audit
Are all new starters completing their induction and the Care Certificate within 12 weeks of starting?
What we look for: Identify staff who started in the last 3-6 months. Good looks like documented progression and sign-off of the Care Certificate within 12 weeks. Fail if staff are deployed solo without completing essential induction components.
Evidence: Training matrix, New starter list, Care Certificate workbooks, Supervision records
- Regulation 18 — StaffingTraining Matrix Audit
Are practical competency assessments (e.g., Medication, Moving and Handling) tracked alongside e-learning?
What we look for: Check that the matrix records not just knowledge (e-learning) but practical observation sign-offs. Good looks like annual practical competency sign-offs for high-risk areas. Fail if staff only do online training for manual handling or meds without practical assessment.
Evidence: Training matrix, Competency assessment forms, Spot check records
Safeguarding
Safe — 1 check- Regulation 13 — Safeguarding service users from abuse and improper treatmentTraining Matrix Audit
Is safeguarding training up to date for all staff, appropriate to their role?
What we look for: Review the matrix specifically for Safeguarding Adults. Good looks like 100% compliance, with managers completing advanced/Level 3 training. Fail if frontline staff have expired safeguarding training.
Evidence: Training matrix, Safeguarding certificates, Local authority training alignment
Delivering evidence-based care and treatment
Effective — 1 check- Regulation 18 — StaffingTraining Matrix Audit
Is specialist training completed for staff supporting people with specific conditions (e.g., Dementia, Autism, PEG)?
What we look for: Match client needs against the training matrix for the staff allocated to them. Good looks like staff have condition-specific training before supporting those individuals. Fail if staff are delivering complex care without appropriate specialist training.
Evidence: Training matrix, Client dependency/needs list, Specialist training certificates
Capable, compassionate and inclusive leaders
Well-led — 1 check- Regulation 18 — StaffingTraining Matrix Audit
Is there a clear follow-up process for staff who fail to attend training or fail assessments?
What we look for: Check records for staff who have missed booked training. Good looks like return-to-work or supervision chats to address barriers, and immediate rebooking or suspension from certain duties if unsafe. Fail if DNAs are ignored and staff continue working non-compliant.
Evidence: Training matrix, Did Not Attend (DNA) logs, Disciplinary/performance records, Supervision notes
Governance, management and sustainability
Well-led — 2 checks- Regulation 17 — Good governanceTraining Matrix Audit
Does the training matrix accurately reflect staff training records and certificates?
What we look for: Cross-reference the matrix against actual certificates in 5 staff files. Good looks like 100% accuracy between the matrix and certificates. Fail if the matrix shows completed training but no certificate or evidence exists.
Evidence: Training matrix, 5x random staff personnel files, Physical/Digital certificates
- Regulation 17 — Good governanceTraining Matrix Audit
Does the system proactively flag training expiry dates to allow for timely re-booking?
What we look for: Look at how upcoming expiries (next 30-90 days) are tracked. Good looks like a RAG-rated matrix where amber items are already booked onto future courses. Fail if training only gets booked after it has already expired.
Evidence: Training matrix (conditional formatting/RAG rating), Booking emails, Training calendar
See it running for your service
Book a free demonstration and we will run the Training Matrix Audit against scenarios from a service like yours, or start your 7-day trial and try it yourself.
See it with your own service
Book a free demonstration and we will walk through the platform using scenarios from a service like yours.