The way we work and deliver our purpose is based on refreshed shared definitions of why we exist, what we seek to achieve and how we lead, work and behave. It aims to underpin, enable and support all our work as an effective regulator. We developed this approach together with our colleagues, health and care providers, the public and wider stakeholders.
Our commitments
We have a set of commitments to support us in carrying out our work both internally and externally.
Our commitment to the public
To listen, act, inform and protect
We listen to, learn from and inform the public. We take appropriate action to keep them safe and improve their care. This is to protect people’s rights, and enable safe, effective and compassionate care regardless of their background or circumstances.
Our commitment to providers and systems of care
To help them improve and innovate
We work with health and care providers and wider care systems to improve the quality and equity of care. We set clear, evidence-based expectations, and we identify and respond to risk early. We encourage innovation and improvement by building strong, trusted relationships and using data and insight.
Our commitment to our people
To feel valued and do great work
We invest in our people, tools and culture to create the conditions for everyone at CQC to be guided by our vision and values. This will build internal trust and external credibility. Our people will do their best work as they are well-led, they feel supported and that they belong.
Our commitment to partners who share our purpose
To work together for better care
We work with partners across government, Parliament, wider stakeholders, and communities, sharing insight, best practice and learning. This is to strengthen our regulation, accelerate innovation and build an effective, inclusive and resilient health and care system.
Our code of conduct
This shares the 4 values and behaviours that we need to achieve our commitments.
Our values are:
Excellence:
- Insight-led. We combine people’s lived experience, high-quality data and our expertise to make informed decisions that have impact.
- Proportionate. We tailor our approaches to the opportunities and risks we face to make our actions consistent, timely, relevant and effective.
- Innovative. We seek feedback, embrace change and use research and reflection to be efficient and to improve.
Integrity:
- Transparent. We share openly and explain decisions to make our expectations and actions clear, predictable and accessible.
- Accountable. We own our actions and challenge poor behaviour and performance with curiosity and humility to take responsibility for our impact.
- Impartial. We address bias and weigh evidence as objectively as possible to uphold our standards, our independence and our public duty.
Caring:
- Just. We uphold rights and challenge inequality to make sure everyone is heard and protected, especially those most at risk.
- Compassionate. We notice and empathise with people’s feelings, and we seek to understand what lies behind them to enable us to help through thoughtful action.
- Respectful. We listen with curiosity, treat everyone with dignity to create safe spaces and foster open, thoughtful dialogue.
Teamwork:
- Collaborative. We build strong relationships and break down silos to achieve our goals together.
- Inclusive. We seek out diverse perspectives and value each other’s expertise to create spaces where everyone belongs.
- Fair. We reflect on our assumptions and apply consistent decision-making to make choices that are balanced and equitable.