CQC inspector

Location: Various locations across England (travel required for on-site inspections)

Contract Type: Zero-hours / Casual / Freelance

Rate: Competitive day rate (negotiable based on experience) – paid per completed mock inspection

Ideal for: Retired former CQC Inspectors | Experienced CQC professionals seeking flexible, low-commitment work | Quality & compliance experts wanting occasional assignments

About the Role

We are seeking experienced professionals to join our pool of associate CQC Mock Inspectors on a zero-hours basis. This role involves conducting realistic, simulated CQC inspections (mock inspections) for care homes, domiciliary care agencies, supported living services, and other health & social care providers across England.

These mock inspections mirror the official Care Quality Commission (CQC) process — including the Single Assessment Framework (where applicable), the five key questions (Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive, Well-led), observations, staff & service user interviews, record reviews, and evidence gathering — to help providers identify strengths, gaps, and areas for improvement before their real regulatory visit.

• Plan and conduct full or focused mock CQC inspections (typically 1 full day on-site, occasionally ½ day or multi-day for larger services)
• Act as an independent, objective “inspector” — replicating CQC methodology, questioning style, and evidence-based approach
• Provide verbal feedback on the day and deliver a detailed, professional written report highlighting compliance levels, potential Key Lines of Enquiry (KLOE) judgements, positive practice, and actionable recommendations
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of CQC regulations, guidance, and inspection practice
• Travel to provider locations as required (expenses reimbursed)

This is a truly flexible opportunity:

• Assignments offered approximately every 6–8 weeks (or less/more frequently depending on your availability and our client demand)
• You choose which jobs to accept — perfect for semi-retirement or supplementing income without fixed hours
• No minimum number of inspections required — work as little or as often as suits you

• Previous direct experience as a CQC Inspector (highly desirable)
  or significant senior experience in health & social care regulation, compliance, or quality improvement roles
• Strong working knowledge of current CQC standards, the Single Assessment Framework, fundamental standards, and inspection processes
• Excellent observational, interviewing, analytical, and report-writing skills
• Professional, calm, and diplomatic approach when giving constructive feedback
• Full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle (travel expenses paid)
• Recent experience of CQC inspections (either as inspector or inspected provider)
• Familiarity with mock/preparatory inspection delivery
• DBS check on the update service (or willingness to obtain one)

• Highly flexible working — ideal for retired CQC inspectors or those wanting occasional, meaningful work
• Opportunity to stay current in the sector and support care providers to improve quality
• Full briefing/support for each assignment
• Reimbursement of reasonable travel & subsistence expenses
• Freedom to balance with other commitments, consultancy work, or retirement

If you are a former CQC Inspector (or equivalent senior compliance/quality professional) looking for purposeful, flexible work without the commitment of a permanent role, we would love to hear from you.

Please send your CV and a short covering note outlining your relevant CQC/regulatory experience and availability to: [insert email address here]

We welcome applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds. All applicants must be eligible to work in the UK.