I am a new care manager for a new service and waiting for CQC registration, what questions do you understand that I could be prepared to answer during the initial interview? Regards Anne

Answered by Sheila Scott

Dear Anne,

I responded to a question from a person having the Registered Manager interview a few months ago. This is the answer I wrote for her. I think this is relevant to the question that you ask. I just want to add that when you are responding to questions about registering the service you will be expected to have the policies and procedures in place. If you haven’t QCS can help and you can request a free trial here.

I am presuming that you are an experienced worker in a senior position in a care home or domiciliary care service. You will also have an appropriate qualification or be prepared to work to gain one.

You must have an understanding of the law relating to care which I am sure that you do. This will include the Mental Capacity Act, Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards Regulations, Health and Safety requirements, Safeguarding and the regulations around registration and inspection.

To put this in context it is important to remember that these Acts of Parliament and regulations are in place to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of service users are protected.

The other thing to bear in mind is the five key questions of the new Care Quality Commission methodology:

• Is it safe?
• Is it effective?
• Is it caring?
• Is it responsive?
• Is it well-led?

Obviously the question about the service being well led is very relevant to your interview,

This is what CQC say about well-led on their website:

By well-led, we mean that the leadership, management and governance of the organisation assures the delivery of high-quality person-centred care, supports learning and innovation, and promotes an open and fair culture.

The key lines of enquiry for care homes can be found here and for home care here.

I have suggested a lot of reading for you. You do not have to learn it off by heart!

Above all be confident. This is a job you know you can do.

Remember to always put the service user at the heart of all you talk about.

Best wishes.

Sheila