Summary
Programme aims to help practices prepare for a CQC inspection.
GMPCB’s GP Excellence Programme is running a CQC Readiness Programme for general practice.
Delivered in partnership with Salford, Stockport and Trafford Local Medical Committee (LMC), the programme will focus on practice culture including elements such as teamwork, openness, leadership and continuous improvement which often make the difference between a ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ CQC rating.
The programme consists of four modules: introduction to CQC and culture; the five CQC domains through a cultural lens; preparing for inspection – demonstrating culture; and sharing culture – real experiences with a Q&A.
By the end of the programme, participants will:
- Understand the CQC’s five key questions: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive and Well-led
- Recognise how organisational culture underpins performance across all domains
- Apply cultural principles such as openness, teamwork, accountability, and compassion in daily practice
- Demonstrate compliance through real examples and behaviours, not just policies
Participants will also receive a series of templates and handouts to support ongoing CQC improvements.
The programme is open to all general practice in Greater Manchester and is suitable for GPs, practice managers, practice nurses, healthcare assistants, reception and administrative teams.
Further details and booking links can be found below:
Module 1 – Introduction to CQC and Culture
- Overview of CQC single assessment framework and inspection process
- What is practice culture and why it matters
1pm to 2pm, Tuesday 18 November, 2025
Module 2 – The five CQC Domains through a Cultural Lens
Explore how culture influences inspection in:
- Safe culture (speaking up, duty of candour, staff wellbeing)
- Effective culture (learning culture, risk management)
- Caring culture (compassion, dignity, inclusion)
- Responsive culture (adaptability, engagement)
- Well-led culture (leadership behaviours, transparency, accountability)
1pm to 2.30pm, Wednesday 28 January, 2026
Module 3 – Preparing for Inspection – Demonstrating Culture
- What inspectors look for beyond paperwork
- Using staff stories and patient experiences as cultural evidence
- Tools to embed positive culture
- Preparing staff for inspections with confidence and consistency
1pm to 2.30pm, Thursday 23 April, 2026
Module 4 – Sharing Culture – Real Experiences with a Q&A
- Case studies contrasting ‘Good’ versus ‘Outstanding’ inspections
- Hear from recently inspected practices
- Q&A and resource sharing
1pm to 2pm, Thursday 25 June, 2026
If you have any questions about the programme, please get in touch with the GP Excellence Programme team: gm.gpexcellence@nhs.net
