Nigel’s surgery 79: Factual accuracy for
CQC inspection reports
Categories:

Organisations we regulate
All practices are offered an opportunity to challenge the factual accuracy of the inspection
team’s draft report.
What is factual accuracy?
Practices can challenge the accuracy and completeness of the evidence on which the ratings
are based. It gives inspectors and practices the opportunity to ensure that all relevant
information that will form the basis of our judgements is seen and considered. It also ensures
that the report is accurate and the judgements are proportionate. It does not deal with
complaints or representations in relation to proposed enforcement activity.
What factual accuracy comments can a practice submit?
A practice may submit comments at the factual accuracy stage about:
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
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Typographical or numerical errors.
Information in the report that the practice considers to be factually incorrect (the practice
should provide further evidence to support this).
Additional evidence regarding the position at the time of the inspection (for ‘completeness’)
that:
o addresses an issue not discussed in the draft report (but the practice considers
should be included), or
o the practice considers has an impact on a rating judgement (for instance, further
examples of exemplary practice to support a rating of outstanding rather than
good).
Copies of evidence must be provided.
Information should be specific about what part of the report a practice wishes to challenge.
Inspectors can then consider the information effectively and provide clear reasons in
response.
What are the time limits for a practice to submit information to the factual
accuracy process?
Once a practice has received a copy of the draft report, they have up to 10 working days to
submit relevant information that may influence the content or the report and/or our
judgements.
We have further details on the factual accuracy process and how CQC considers and responds
to comments submitted here.
Last updated:
1 September 2016