Infection Prevention & Control Audits: What CQC Inspectors Look For

Why Infection Prevention & Control Matters More Than Ever

Since the pandemic, the Care Quality Commission has placed infection prevention and control (IPC) at the very top of its inspection priorities. Whether you run a care home, domiciliary care agency, or supported living service, demonstrating robust IPC practices is no longer optional — it is a core compliance requirement that directly influences your overall rating.

CQC inspectors now routinely carry out focused IPC inspections alongside their standard assessments. Failing to meet the required standards can result in enforcement action, requirement notices, or even service suspension. Understanding exactly what inspectors look for gives you the best chance of passing with confidence.

The Key Areas CQC Inspectors Assess

1. Policies and Procedures

Inspectors will ask to see your IPC policy and expect it to be up to date, evidence-based, and tailored to your specific service. A generic downloaded template will not suffice. Your policy should reference current guidance from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and be reviewed at least annually or whenever national guidance changes.

Key questions inspectors may ask include: When was this policy last reviewed? Who is responsible for IPC in your service? How do you communicate policy changes to staff?

2. Staff Training and Competency

Every member of staff — including agency workers, volunteers, and maintenance personnel — must have received IPC training appropriate to their role. Inspectors will check training records and may ask individual staff members about hand hygiene techniques, the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and what they would do if they suspected an outbreak.

It is not enough to show that training was delivered. You must demonstrate that staff understood the content and can apply it in practice. Consider using competency assessments, spot checks, and observed practice sessions to evidence this.

3. Hand Hygiene and PPE

Hand hygiene remains the single most effective measure for preventing the spread of infection. Inspectors will observe whether hand-washing facilities are accessible, properly stocked with soap and paper towels, and whether alcohol-based hand rub is available at point of care.

They will also check that PPE is stored correctly, is within its expiry date, and that staff use it appropriately. This includes donning and doffing procedures, which are frequently observed during inspections.

4. Cleaning and Decontamination

Your cleaning schedules should be clearly documented, specifying what is cleaned, how often, by whom, and with which products. High-touch surfaces such as door handles, light switches, handrails, and communal equipment should be cleaned multiple times daily.

Inspectors may use UV light technology to assess cleaning effectiveness and will check that cleaning products are appropriate for healthcare settings. They will also look at how soiled linen and clinical waste are managed.

5. Outbreak Management

Having a clear outbreak management plan is essential. This should detail how you identify an outbreak, who you notify, how you isolate affected individuals, and how you communicate with families and external agencies. Inspectors will want to see evidence that you have tested this plan, ideally through tabletop exercises or actual outbreak reviews.

Building an Audit-Ready IPC Culture

The most successful care services do not treat IPC as a tick-box exercise. They embed it into their daily culture through regular audits, staff champions, visual reminders, and a blame-free reporting system for near misses.

Consider appointing an IPC lead who has dedicated time to monitor compliance, update policies, and act as the point of contact for external agencies. Regular self-audits using a structured tool — such as those available on the MyCareAudit platform — ensure that gaps are identified and addressed before inspectors arrive.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Relying on outdated policies that reference superseded guidance
• Failing to include agency or bank staff in training records
• Not evidencing competency assessments alongside training certificates
• Overlooking IPC in communal kitchens, laundry rooms, and staff areas
• Having no clear process for escalating IPC concerns to management

How MyCareAudit Can Help

Our IPC audit templates are designed specifically for CQC-regulated services and align with the latest UKHSA and CQC guidance. Each template includes detailed prompts, scoring criteria, and action plan sections so you can identify risks and demonstrate continuous improvement. Start your IPC audit today and ensure you are always inspection-ready.