Master the CQC Single Assessment Framework (SAF) with Expert Guidance

Navigate the new CQC SAF with confidence and ensure your care facility meets the latest regulatory standards

The Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) Single Assessment Framework (SAF) represents a significant shift in how care facilities are evaluated. With its focus on a unified approach to quality, it’s essential for care providers to understand and effectively implement the framework.

Our SAF support services are designed to simplify the process, ensuring your care facility is fully prepared to meet the new requirements. Whether you’re a care home, domiciliary care provider, or healthcare service, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. In November 2023, the CQC began rolling out the SAF to replace the previous Key Lines of Enquiry (KLOEs) with a more unified, person-centred approach. Full implementation was expected by March 2024.

The SAF still focuses on the five key questions. Is your service Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive, and Well-led but introduces several key changes;

  • These have replaced the former KLOEs. Each statement starts with a "We" to reflect the provider's perspective, for example, "We protect people from abuse and poor treatment." These clarify what good care looks like in practice.

  • The CQC gathers information from six distinct areas:

    • People’s Experience

    • Staff & Leadership Feedback

    • Partner Feedback

    • Observations of Care

    • Care Processes

    • Outcomes of Care

    This ensures a more rounded, real-time view of care quality both on-site and off-site.

  • The four-point rating scale (Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, Inadequate) was retained.

    • 4 – Exceptional Care

    • 3 – Good Care

    • 2 – Needs improvement

    • 1 – Inadequate Care

    Scores from each evidence category contribute to the rating for each quality statement, which then feeds into ratings for the five key questions, and ultimately your overall CQC rating.

Why SAF Support Matters

Stay Ahead of Changes

The SAF introduces a new way of evaluating care services. Our support ensures you're always up to date.

Tailored Guidance

Every care facility is unique, and we provide advice specific to your operations and challenges.

Boost Confidence

Equip your team with the knowledge and tools to excel under the SAF.

Outstanding Ratings

By aligning your practices with the SAF, you can improve your CQC ratings and reputation.

What We Offer:

  • Comprehensive training to help your staff understand and implement the SAF effectively.

  • A detailed review of your current practices against SAF standards to identify areas for improvement.

  • Assistance with updating policies, procedures, and evidence to align with SAF requirements.

  • Simulated SAF reviews to prepare you for official evaluations.

  • Continuous guidance to help you adapt to any updates or changes in the SAF.

Understanding the SAF

The CQC Single Assessment Framework (SAF) is built around five key questions:

  • Safe: Are people protected from harm?

  • Effective: Are care outcomes improving lives?

  • Caring: Do staff treat people with compassion and respect?

  • Responsive: Are services meeting people’s needs?

  • Well-Led: Is leadership driving high-quality care?

The SAF combines people’s experiences, feedback, and data-driven evidence to offer a more holistic evaluation of care quality. Our support ensures you’re ready to meet these expectations with confidence.

How QCM2US Can Support You

We know these changes can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already stretched managing daily care operations. That’s where QCM2US steps in;

✅Mock Inspections & Readiness Reviews

Our team will assess your service using SAF criteria, helping you prepare for real inspections, identify gaps, and strengthen your compliance.

✅ Quality Statement Mapping

We’ll guide you in aligning your practice, policies, and evidence with the new 34 quality statements—ensuring your service meets CQC expectations.

✅ Evidence Support

From organising outcomes data to gathering meaningful feedback from people using your service, we help you build a robust evidence base across the six SAF categories.

✅ Policy & Process Updates

We support you in reviewing and updating documentation, aligning your procedures with the new SAF expectations.

Why the SAF Matters

The SAF is designed to;

  • Reduce complexity by using one framework for all services

  • Reflect real-life outcomes, not just paperwork

  • Promote person-centred, inclusive care

  • Enable dynamic, ongoing assessments, not just one-off inspections

What Providers Are Saying

While many welcome the streamlined approach, others have voiced concerns;

  • The scoring system can feel unclear or inconsistent

  • Some inspectors lack specialist knowledge in areas like Dementia or Learning Disabilities (LD)

  • Reports often arrive late or lack clarity on how ratings were determined

  • Some quality statements are seen as too vague or overly simplified

By embracing the SAF, providers have a chance to demonstrate their commitment to continuous improvement, transparency, and high-quality care. At QCM2US, we help you navigate these challenges by keeping you informed and prepared, and by making sure your service is showcased in the best possible light.

Benefits of Working with QCM2US

  • Stay compliant with the latest CQC frameworks

  • Reduce inspection stress with proactive support

  • Save time with expert guidance on evidence collection

  • Improve outcomes through actionable quality improvement planning

  • Build confidence across your team and service

Contact the team today for help with your SAF.

Contact us.

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