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15 June 2026 · CareComply UK

What Documents Are Required by CQC and CIW

CQC (England) and CIW (Wales) have different frameworks, but in practice the documentation they expect to see from a domiciliary care agency overlaps heavily. If you're operating across the border, or simply want a complete picture, this checklist covers the core categories both regulators look for.

Care delivery documentation

  • Person-centred care plans for every service user
  • Risk assessments covering falls, medication, environment, and nutrition at minimum
  • Medication administration records (MAR charts)
  • Daily care/visit notes showing what support was actually given
  • Reviews showing care plans are updated as needs change

Governance and management documentation

  • Statement of Purpose
  • Service User Guide
  • Staff supervision and appraisal records
  • Spot check and audit records
  • Complaints log with evidence of resolution
  • Incident and accident reports

Our Registered Manager Toolkit covers the governance side — spot checks, supervisions, audits, and appraisal forms in one bundle. View Manager Toolkit →

Policy documentation

Both regulators expect a comprehensive set of written policies covering safeguarding, medication, infection control, the Mental Capacity Act, whistleblowing, equality and diversity, and health and safety, among others. See our related article on the top 20 policies every agency needs for a fuller breakdown.

Workforce documentation

  • DBS checks and recruitment records
  • Staff training matrix showing current certifications
  • Induction records for new staff
  • Staff rotas demonstrating adequate coverage

Business continuity and emergency planning

Increasingly, both CQC and CIW expect to see a Business Continuity Plan and emergency planning documentation — covering what happens if staff can't get to service users, or if a major disruption affects the service.

Our Complete Start-Up Kit includes Business Continuity Planning and Emergency Planning documents alongside the full template library. View Complete Start-Up Kit →

This article is general guidance. Requirements vary by service type and nation — always confirm against the latest published CQC or CIW frameworks.