Audit review for council’s health and school nursing service to assist CQC inspection
Ahead of their next Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection, the council’s health visitors and school nursing service asked our auditors to undertake a piece of ‘critical friend’ work.
The aim was to quickly understand their service and conduct a review of the documentation the CQC needed. Four objectives were identified, to ensure that:
- Robust governance arrangements were in place for managing service
- They had comprehensive strategies, plans and objectives which are routinely monitored
- Quality assurance processes are in place and operating effectively
- Where issues were identified, appropriate actions were agreed and implemented to improve operations
A testing programme was agreed upon, which focused on governance as this was the client’s main concern. Our review concentrated on the CQC’s framework which ensures the organisation’s leadership, management and governance allow for the delivery of high-quality, person-centred care.
It also aims to support learning and innovation, and promote an open and fair culture. Focusing on this framework assured that the service was prepared for their external inspection.
The service manager rated our service excellent across the board.
“I found this process extremely helpful and it provided me with the space to reflect on the service and where we are in regards to inspection preparation. Veritau’s work was structured and organised.
Auditors worked to the agreed timescales and negotiated actions and steps throughout the process. They validated my thoughts, provided a respectful challenge and provided me with a platform to take this work forward.”
Our social care audit specialist
Stuart Cutts
Assistant Director – Internal Audit
Stuart is a CIPFA-qualified accountant with over 25 years' experience in public sector audit and assurance. As an Assistant Director, he acts as Head of Internal Audit for several organisations, including North Yorkshire Council, Middlesbrough Council and the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority. He also supports a number of national park clients. Stuart works closely with senior officers, elected members and audit committees, providing assurance on governance, risk management, and internal control. He has extensive experience across local government and provides practical advice on governance, risk management and assurance to a wide range of public sector organisations.
