Resources
The practical resources below can help you to strengthen this area of CQC inspection.
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Resource creator: De Montfort University Leicester and Infection Prevention Society Care Home SIG
This and free online learning was produced following research into current infection prevention and control policies and practices utilised by care/nursing homes in the laundering of resident associated textiles, barriers to implementing such policies and attitudes towards laundering.
The guide covers the safe handling and storage of clean linen; safe handling, segregation and transportation of used and infectious linen to the laundry; provision, operation and maintenance of the laundry environment and equipment; risks associated with laundering chemicals, products, environment wash programmes and ironing. The guide is complemented by a to help raise awareness of some key points from the guide.
The provide a structured learning pathway to support best practice in laundry management. The eight modules cover every stage of linen handling - from clean linen storage and segregation of infectious items, to laundry environment setup, equipment maintenance, wash programs, and safe transportation. Each module includes audio narration and a knowledge check quiz to reinforce understanding. The training is designed to improve infection prevention and control, protect residents and staff, and ensure compliance with national standards.
Date published: October 2025
Resource creator: Royal College of Nursing (RCN)
This guidance provides practical support for care home managers to ensure compliance with statutory health and safety requirements within care environments.
It includes checklists and advice covering risks such as asbestos, legionella, gas safety, lifting equipment and general building safety. The resource reinforces managers’ responsibilities for maintaining safe premises and protecting both staff and people receiving care.
It is particularly useful for strengthening governance, compliance and oversight of environmental risks.
Date published: June 2025
Resource creator: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
This guideline provides evidence-based recommendations on assessing and reducing the risk of falls in older people, including those living in care settings.
It supports providers to identify environmental and individual risk factors and implement interventions to reduce harm, maintain independence and improve safety. The guidance is applicable to care home providers, managers and staff.
The resource is particularly valuable for embedding systematic approaches to environmental risk management.
Date published: April 2025
Resource creator: Care Quality Commission
Part of the CQC's Learning from safety incidents, this document provides an example of how a safety incident impacted a wheelchair user and what action the CQC took as a result. It highlights a number of key points for providers supporting people using wheelchairs to consider, as well as signposting to supporting guidance and advice.
Date published: August 2023
Resource creator: Care Quality Commission
Falls from windows often result in serious or fatal injuries, but they are avoidable. The CQC will expect regulated care providers to assess these risks. Where you identify the risk of someone falling from a high window, you must take adequate precautions, such as fitting window restrictors. The CQC have compiled further information and good practice on their website.
Date published: September 2022
Resource creator: Care Quality Commission
Bed rails are used a lot in health and social care services to prevent people falling from their beds and being injured. There are risks though and people can become trapped. The CQC has compiled good practice and advice on this issue to support regulated care services.
Date published: September 2022
Resource creator: 大象传媒
This guide provides information about what works well for adult social care employers that employ staff who regularly work alone. It’s based on learning and recommendations from research that 大象传媒 did with adult social care employers that employ lone workers.
It has top tips for best practice under key headings such as recruitment and retention, planning the workload, learning and development, health and safety, and supporting mental health and wellbeing.
Date published: December 2019
Resource creator: Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
RIDDOR puts duties on employers, the self-employed and people in control of work premises (the Responsible Person) to report certain serious workplace accidents, occupational diseases and specified dangerous occurrences (near misses).
Date published: December 2013
Resource creator: Social Care Institute of Excellence (scie)
This guide provides practical ideas for making living spaces safe, user-friendly and enjoyable for a person with dementia. Sections include:
- creating a relaxing environment
- assistive technology
- gardens
- lighting
- noise levels.
Date published: December 2013
Resource creator: Social Care Institute of Excellence (scie)
Use this film to find out how simple changes can create a more dementia-friendly care home environment. These include:
- visual environment
- communal areas
- personal needs.
Date published: June 2013
Developed in partnership with