Independent inspection readiness support
Mock CQC Inspections. Clarity before scrutiny.
Understand where your service stands with an experienced, inspection-style review of quality, governance, evidence and everyday practice. Get candid feedback and a practical plan for what needs attention.
What is a mock CQC inspection?
A mock CQC inspection is an independent, structured review that helps a health or adult social care provider examine how well its systems, evidence, leadership and day-to-day practice stand up to scrutiny.
Delphi’s reviews are informed by relevant regulations, the CQC’s published assessment approach and applicable sector guidance. Each review is tailored to the service, its circumstances and the issues leadership most needs to understand.
The purpose is not simply to rehearse an inspection. It is to find strengths, identify gaps early and help managers turn findings into practical improvement priorities.
When should you consider a mock inspection?
Independent assurance is useful before a known deadline, but also when leaders want a clearer view of quality and operational control.
Preparing for CQC scrutiny
Check the evidence and systems behind your service before a potential assessment or inspection.
Responding to concerns
Understand the gaps behind audit findings, complaints, governance concerns or a previous inspection outcome.
Supporting new leadership
Give a Registered Manager or senior team an independent starting point and clearer priorities.
Strengthening ongoing assurance
Test whether policies, records and leadership oversight are reflected in everyday practice.
A practical review of what matters.
The exact scope is agreed with you in advance. A mock CQC inspection can include the following elements, depending on your service and the objectives of the review.
Inspection-style review
Review of agreed areas against relevant regulations, CQC quality statements and applicable published guidance.
Evidence and records
Review of relevant records, documentation and evidence supporting care quality, compliance and assurance.
Leadership and governance
Examination of oversight, accountability, audit processes and how risks or improvement actions are managed.
Operational observations
Where appropriate, observation of practice to understand how systems, policies and care delivery operate in the service.
Indicative findings
Clear feedback on strengths, possible gaps and aspects of practice or evidence requiring attention.
Team readiness
Insight to help managers and staff understand the evidence and expectations they may encounter.
Written report and action plan
Structured findings and prioritised recommendations, with reporting detail confirmed in the agreed scope.
Follow-up improvement support
Optional assistance with improvement planning, governance and assurance after the initial review.
Not sure what your review should cover? Tell us about your service and we’ll help you scope the right approach.
Discuss your requirements ↗The five key questions remain central.
The CQC’s assessment framework considers five key questions and their related quality statements. The areas considered in your mock review depend on the agreed scope and service type.
Safe
Safety, risk and safeguarding
Effective
Needs, outcomes and practice
Caring
Dignity, compassion and choice
Responsive
Individual needs and continuity
Well-led
Leadership and governance
The five key questions are supported by quality statements and evidence categories. Explore official CQC guidance ↗
From uncertainty to clear next steps.
A structured process helps ensure the review is relevant, manageable and useful for those responsible for improvement.
Agree the scope
We discuss your service, current concerns, desired outcomes and the review activity that will be most useful.
Review the evidence
Our reviewers examine the agreed systems, records, governance arrangements and relevant aspects of practice.
Share the findings
We explain what appears strong, where risks may sit and what requires further attention.
Prioritise improvement
You receive practical next steps and, where agreed, further support to help turn findings into action.
See what an independent review can reveal.
Good across all five key questions. With lessons to act on.
Delphi’s April 2026 mock inspection of The Martlets identified areas requiring focused attention, including record keeping, risk evidence, infection control and communication. A later CQC assessment rated the service Good across all five key questions.
- Independent mock inspection completed on 21 April 2026.
- Six areas for targeted improvement were identified.
- CQC assessed the service on 14 May 2026 and published its report on 16 June 2026.
Experienced professionals. Constructive challenge.
Delphi’s mock CQC inspections are delivered by experienced professionals, including former inspectors, senior care leaders and clinicians, according to the service’s needs and the agreed scope.
The focus is not on catching your team out. It is on providing a clear, independent perspective that helps leaders understand risks, strengthen evidence and direct improvement effort.
Your questions, answered.
Understand what the review involves and whether a mock inspection is right for your service.
Is a mock CQC inspection the same as a CQC inspection?
No. A mock inspection is an independent readiness and improvement exercise. It is not conducted by CQC and cannot guarantee the findings or rating of a statutory assessment.
Which types of services can benefit?
CQC-regulated adult social care and healthcare providers may benefit, including services preparing for scrutiny or seeking independent assurance. The review is tailored to the service type and requirements.
What does the mock inspection report include?
Depending on the agreed scope, outputs can include indicative findings, an assessment of strengths and gaps, and prioritised recommendations or an action plan. Deliverables are confirmed before work begins.
Will you review records and speak with staff?
Where relevant and agreed, the review can cover records, governance evidence, operational observations and discussions with appropriate team members. Scope and confidentiality arrangements are agreed in advance.
Can Delphi help after the inspection?
Yes. Where required, Delphi can support action planning, governance, readiness and ongoing improvement. See our CQC Readiness & Improvement service for related support.
How much does a mock CQC inspection cost?
The scope depends on service type, location, complexity and the areas you want reviewed. Contact Delphi to discuss your requirements and obtain an appropriate proposal.
Related support and resources.
Explore practical guidance and specialist services that complement a mock CQC inspection.
Know your strengths. Identify the gaps. Move forward.
Tell us about your service, any current inspection or assurance concerns, and what you want to achieve. We’ll discuss a practical scope for your mock CQC inspection.
