Notable Practice

This section provides examples of notable practice in relation to the 46 practices of the Concordat.

Objective one - Inspections are coordinated with other reviews and collections of data

• Practice 1.1 - Define and explain remit to ensure clarity and effective coordination
• Practice 1.2 - Use existing data sets
• Practice 1.3 - Share information with other bodies
• Practice 1.4 - Planning inspections
• Practice 1.5 - Reliance on other inspecting bodies' findings

Objective two - Inspections of healthcare focus on the experience of patients, other service users and carers

• Practice 2.1 - Involve those who use services
• Practice 2.2 - Focus on patient 'pathways'
• Practice 2.3 - Equality and diversity
• Practice 2.4 - Consultation

Objective three - Inspections support improvements in quality and performance

• Practice 3.1 - Recognise improvement and good practice
• Practice 3.2 - Spread good practice, encourage innovation and learn from experience
• Practice 3.3 - Focus on improving care and outcomes for service users
• Practice 3.4 - Contribute to the development and delivery of policy
• Practice 3.5 - Facilitate self assessment and continuous improvement of services

Objective four - Inspecting bodies continuously improve their methods

• Practice 4.1 - Evaluating and revising standards/criteria
• Practice 4.2 - Long term evaluation of cost and benefit
• Practice 4.3 - Pilot and assessment of major changes or new inspections
• Practice 4.4 - Gather and act on feedback from those who receive or provide healthcare
• Practice 4.5 - Use an external reference board or advisory panel
• Practice 4.6 - Share good practice with other inspecting bodies
• Practice 4.7 - Benchmarking costs and performance
• Practice 4.8 - Innovation and research

Objective 5 - Inspections are independent, consistent and fair

• Practice 5.1 - Consistent standards for those providing care
• Practice 5.2 - Consistent standards for inspecting bodies
• Practice 5.3 - Evidence based standards and criteria

Objective 6 - Inspections are targeted and proportionate

• Practice 6.1 - Targeted to capacity and performance
• Practice 6.2 - Weighted to risk
• Practice 6.3 - Earned autonomy
• Practice 6.4 - Range of mechanisms and levels of action
• Practice 6.5 - Assessing the impact of inspecting bodies’ policies

Objective 7 - Inspections are transparent and accountable

• Practice 7.1 - Published standards and methodology
• Practice 7.2 - Draft findings
• Practice 7.3 - Complaints and appeals process
• Practice 7.4 - Publishing findings

Objective 8 - Inspecting bodies use coordinated and proportionate methods of enforcement

• Practice 8.1 - Coordinated recommendations and action planning
• Practice 8.2 - Range of enforcement mechanisms
• Practice 8.3 - Cost recommendations and actions
• Practice 8.4 - Enforcement powers

Objective 9 - Inspectors are suitably qualified, trained and skilled

• Practice 9.1 - Inspectors with suitable skills
• Practice 9.2 - Training and qualifications
• Practice 9.3 - Feedback about inspectors

Objective 10 - Inspecting bodies continuously monitor their practices in line with the concordat

• Practice 10.1 - Implementation of practices
• Practice 10.2 - Demonstrating implementation
• Practice 10.3 - Communication to those providing or receiving healthcare
• Practice 10.4 - Monitoring implementation
• Practice 10.5 - Review of concordat