Maintaining Workforce Competence Over Time: CQC Expectations Beyond Induction
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CQC does not view competence as a one-off achievement. Inspectors assess how providers maintain skills, knowledge and safe practice over time. This expectation links closely to governance oversight and workforce training requirements.
Providers must actively manage competence drift.
Understanding Competence Drift
Competence drift occurs when skills or knowledge degrade over time.
CQC recognises drift can arise from:
- Infrequent use of certain skills
- Changes in guidance or best practice
- Staff becoming overly task-focused
Unmanaged drift increases risk.
Refresher Training Expectations
Inspectors expect refresher training to be risk-led.
This may include:
- Mandatory annual refreshers
- Targeted updates following incidents
- Role-specific refresher schedules
Blanket approaches may miss key risks.
Linking Training to Practice Review
CQC assesses whether refresher training is reinforced through supervision and observation.
Effective providers:
- Discuss learning during supervision
- Observe post-training practice
- Adjust support where needed
This closes the learning loop.
Responding to Change and Complexity
Inspectors expect providers to adjust competence requirements as services evolve.
This includes:
- Changes in people’s needs
- New risks or interventions
- Updated regulatory expectations
Static training plans are a red flag.
Demonstrating Ongoing Workforce Assurance
Strong providers evidence a continuous cycle of training, assessment and oversight.
This reassures inspectors that workforce competence is actively maintained.
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