How to Complete the Statement of Purpose in Your Registration Application
Registering with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) is a pivotal step for any care service provider in the UK. A critical component of this process is the Statement of Purpose, a requirement under Regulation 12 of the Care Quality Commission (Registration) Regulations 2009, established under the Health and Social Care Act 2008. This document not only articulates the core objectives and functions of your service but also serves as a legal declaration of your commitment to quality care. It’s essential to periodically review and update this statement, notifying the CQC of any significant alterations that could impact service delivery.
While the CQC offers a template on its website, consisting of four downloadable sections to be compiled into a single document, it’s crucial to ensure that the information in the Statement of Purpose aligns with your business plan and application form, particularly regarding service user age groups and the general organizational structure.
Part 1
The first section demands factual information about your service, including the provider’s name, legal status (individual, partnership, or organization), and contact details. This also includes an address for service notices and other documents. It’s important to note that the provider’s address, like a business headquarters, may differ from the location where the service is operated.
Part 2
Here, you will detail your service’s aims and objectives. This should encompass:
- The target demographic and their care needs, defined as per the Care Act 2014.
- How your service will enhance health, wellbeing, and quality of life.
- Specific care and support provisions for identified needs.
- The nature of the regulated activities you’re registering for, like personal care, but excluding unregulated activities such as cleaning or shopping.
Resource materials like the Employer Factsheet and ‘Registering a New Care Service’ document can offer examples for formulating aims and objectives.
Part 3
This segment requires information about your service location(s), the clientele, the type of service, and the regulated activities conducted or organized from each location. For multiple locations, separate information is needed.
Key components include:
- Location: Details of the premises used for regulated activities, ensuring suitability in terms of safety and confidentiality.
- Service Band: Identifying the range of needs met by your service, based on your aims and objectives.
- Age Bands: Indicating the age groups served, typically divided into younger adults (18-65 years) and older adults (65+ years).
- CQC Service Types: Identifying the service model, such as care home services (with or without nursing), domiciliary care, supported living, etc.
- Regulated Activity: Describing the lawful services provided, primarily personal care or treatment of disease, disorder, or injury in specialized cases.
Part 4
In this final part, you’ll provide details about the registered manager, including their contact information for service notices and documents. This section varies depending on whether the service is managed by an individual, a partnership, or employs a separate registered manager. If a manager oversees multiple locations, their time allocation across these sites must be specified.
Appendix: CQC Guidance on Service User Bands
The CQC requires a clear description of the range of needs your service intends to meet. This includes various specialisms captured under ‘service user bands.’ Whether it’s dementia care, physical disability, or cultural and religious needs, it’s imperative to demonstrate your capability to meet these needs consistently. Selecting a service user band means showing proficiency in catering to specific needs throughout a service user’s engagement with your service.
Conclusion Of Statement of Purpose
Crafting a comprehensive and compliant Statement of Purpose is a foundational step in registering your care service with the CQC. It’s an opportunity to clearly outline your service’s objectives, the needs you aim to meet, and how you plan to deliver quality care. Remember, this document is not just a formality but a reflection of your commitment to excellence in care.
For the latest guidelines and templates, visit the CQC website.
