Case Study – Supporting a group of Care Homes to Improve Standards of Care and Achieve Regulatory Compliance
Client: Multiple care homes with poor or inadequate CQC ratings
Focus: Improving quality of care, leadership, and regulatory outcomes
Overview:
During 2021/22, the owner of PALAR Consultancy was commissioned to support UK care homes in Kent that had received poor Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection outcomes. These services were under pressure to address regulatory concerns quickly while also restoring staff confidence and improving the quality of care delivered to residents. The objective was not only to achieve improved inspection ratings but to embed sustainable quality improvements across governance, leadership, practice, and culture.
Our Approach:
Sharon recruited and led a specialist improvement team to work directly with care home managers and frontline staff. We began by reviewing CQC inspection findings to understand the root causes behind areas of non-compliance and poor performance. Rather than applying generic solutions, we developed tailored action plans for each service, focused on practical change and measurable improvement.
Our support included:
• Working alongside managers to address CQC concerns and prioritise risks
• Developing clear, achievable action plans aligned to CQC expectations
• Providing hands-on support to implement practical solutions
• Embedding best practice in care delivery, safeguarding, and quality assurance
• Coaching and supporting staff to rebuild confidence and ownership of improvements
Outcome:
The care homes improved their individual CQC ratings and demonstrated clear progress against regulatory standards. Improvements were sustained beyond inspection outcomes, with stronger leadership, improved staff morale, and higher-quality care being delivered to residents.
Impact:
Through a practical, solutions-focused approach, care home services improved beyond short-term compliance to meaningful, long-lasting improvement. Managers and staff regained pride in their work, and organisations were equipped with the skills, confidence, and structures needed to maintain high standards of care.