CQC ‘I’ and ‘We’ statements
Also known as: I statements, We statements, CQC I and We statements
“I” statements describe what good care looks and feels like from the perspective of the person receiving it, while “We” statements set out what providers and staff commit to do to deliver it. They underpin the CQC quality statements.
“I” and “We” statements are two sides of the same standard. “We” statements are commitments written from the provider’s point of view and form the CQC quality statements under each key question. “I” statements express the same expectation from the point of view of the person drawing on care — what good care actually feels like for them. Together they keep assessment grounded in people’s lived experience.
Worked examples
The following examples show how a “We” statement pairs with the “I” statement that describes the same standard from the person’s perspective:
- We statement: We have a proactive and positive culture of safety based on openness and honesty. → I statement: I feel safe and valued here; the team listens to my concerns.
- We statement: We routinely monitor people’s care and treatment to improve it. → I statement: I see how my care is regularly reviewed and improved upon.
- We statement: We promote people’s independence, so they know their rights. → I statement: I feel empowered here, fully aware of my rights.
- We statement: We make sure people are at the centre of their care. → I statement: I feel truly seen and heard, with my needs and preferences taking priority.
How to use them
Providers use “We” statements as the standard to meet and “I” statements as a test of whether that standard is genuinely being felt by people. Gathering feedback that reflects the “I” statements — through surveys, conversations and observation — is a strong source of evidence for a CQC assessment.
Frequently asked questions
What are “I” and “We” statements in the CQC framework?
“We” statements are commitments from the provider that form the CQC quality statements, and “I” statements describe the same standard from the perspective of the person receiving care — what good care feels like for them.
Can you give an example of an “I” statement?
An example is: “I feel safe and valued here; the team listens to my concerns.” It pairs with the “We” statement about having a proactive, positive culture of safety based on openness and honesty.
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Sources
- CQC — quality statements
- Florence — CQC ‘We’ and ‘I’ statement guide & examples
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