Our First CQC Inspection

Our First CQC Inspection
At Home Instead Pocklington & Brough, we’re passionate about providing high-quality, compassionate home care that helps people live comfortably and safely in their own homes. That’s why we were absolutely delighted with the outcomes of our recent Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection, which underlined the strengths of our service and recognised the dedication of our team.
Understanding the CQC Inspection Process
Before we share the highlights from our latest report, it’s helpful to explain what a CQC inspection involves.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator of health and social care in England. Its job is to check that services like ours are safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led. These are the five key questions that make up its inspection framework. CQC inspectors gather evidence through a mix of:
- Interviews with people receiving care and their families
- Discussions with staff and managers
- Reviewing care plans, records and policies
- Observations of daily care and interaction
For new services like ours, we registered with CQC on 15 September 2023, initial assessments ensure that the service is likely to meet regulatory standards, followed by ongoing inspections to monitor quality and progress.
Our December 2025 Inspection: What the CQC Found
In December 2025, inspectors visited Home Instead Pocklington & Brough across 12, 15 and 16 December 2025 as part of their new assessment approach. During this time, the team looked closely at how we deliver personal care to people living in the community.
We are proud to share that the overall CQC finding was Good, a reflection of the quality of care we deliver every day.
Here are some of the key areas that inspectors highlighted:
Safe and Person-Centred Care
Inspectors observed that people and their families felt safe and confident in the care they received. Robust safeguarding measures were in place, staff understood how to protect people from risk, and environmental checks supported safety.
One of the standout notes in the report was that people and their relatives were “overwhelmingly positive” about the service, describing staff as kind, respectful, and attentive. This type of feedback is the cornerstone of what we do and it’s incredibly rewarding to see it recognised.
Effective, Tailored Support
The inspection highlighted how our care plans are created with each Individual in mind.
Inspectors noted that people’s needs were assessed comprehensively, care reflected individual routines and preferences, and staff were well-trained and confident. They also saw that we work collaboratively with other health professionals to support positive outcomes. For example, helping people recover after illness or a hospital stay.
Respecting people’s choices is central to effective care, and the report reflects this, noting that preferences, such as choosing the same gender for personal care, were respected.
Caring Beyond Expectations
One of the most rewarding parts of the inspection was reading how the inspectors saw our team not just doing their jobs but going the extra mile.
The report observed care staff engaging in meaningful conversations, taking time to support people’s hobbies and interests, and always upholding privacy and dignity.
This truly reflects the Home Instead philosophy, care that’s personal, respectful, and rooted in genuine human connection.
Responsive and Tailored Services
CQC inspectors saw that our team listens and responds, a quality that sets our service apart.
Feedback was actively sought from people and families, reviews were held regularly, and changes were made quickly when needs evolved. The inspectors also noted that we met the Accessible Information Standard, ensuring that people get communications in ways that suit them.
Strong Leadership and Positive Culture
A service is only as strong as its leadership and team culture, and this shows in our inspection report.
Inspectors found that leadership at Home Instead Pocklington & Brough was “strong and inclusive”, with managers visible and approachable. Staff described the workplace as supportive and felt confident speaking up when they needed to. Regular audits, supervisions and spot checks confirmed that quality and safety are being monitored effectively.
Embedded in Our Community
Another highlight in the report was how the service is rooted in the local community. Initiatives like companionship lunches and our What’s on Where Guide are examples of how we go beyond basic care to promote social inclusion and wellbeing.
Looking Ahead
We are delighted with our CQC inspection outcome and deeply grateful to our clients, their families, and our incredible team. This report motivates us to continue improving and to always put people first.
Thank you for trusting Home Instead Pocklington & Brough. If you’d like to read the full report directly from the CQC website, you can view it here.
Together, we’re making great care personal.