Information Governance Expectations Under CQC’s New Assessment Framework
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Information governance sits at the intersection of safety, dignity and organisational oversight. Under the current CQC framework, inspectors increasingly test how providers protect, manage and govern personal data. This aligns closely with provider assurance requirements and governance and leadership expectations.
Weak information governance undermines confidence in both care delivery and management control.
Why Information Governance Matters to CQC
CQC views information governance as a core safety issue.
Inspectors consider whether:
- Personal data is kept confidential
- Records are only accessed by authorised staff
- Information is shared appropriately and lawfully
Failures expose people to harm and providers to regulatory action.
Confidentiality and Privacy in Digital Systems
CQC assesses how confidentiality is maintained in practice.
This includes:
- Secure logins and passwords
- Screen privacy in shared environments
- Controls on downloading or exporting data
Inspectors may ask staff how they protect information day to day.
Role-Based Access and Permissions
Inspectors expect digital systems to use role-based access.
Good practice includes:
- Staff only accessing records relevant to their role
- Managers having oversight permissions
- Prompt removal of access when staff leave
Overly broad access is treated as a governance weakness.
Data Sharing and Information Flow
CQC looks at how information is shared with:
- Health professionals
- Commissioners
- Safeguarding partners
Providers must demonstrate that sharing is timely, proportionate and lawful.
Governance Oversight of Information Governance
Inspectors examine how information governance is overseen.
This includes:
- Named senior responsibility
- Policies and procedures
- Audit and review activity
Strong governance reassures CQC that risks are understood and controlled.
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