Infection Prevention: What inspectors are looking for in 2025

Paul Blane
Infection Prevention
Infection prevention control what inspectors are looking for

Their is increasing scrutiny on how providers embed IPC into their day-to-day care delivery, governance, and culture. As the landscape of health and social care continues to evolve, so too does the CQC’s focus—moving beyond policies and audits to look at applied practice, competence, and leadership accountability.

Here’s what health and social care providers need to know about IPC, the CQC’s expectations under the Single Assessment Framework, and the legislation that underpins them.

 

The importance of Infection Prevention

Under Regulation 12 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, providers must do all that is reasonably practicable to mitigate risks to service users—this includes infection risks.

In 2025, the CQC continues to monitor IPC closely, particularly in the context of:

  • Antimicrobial resistance
  • Seasonal respiratory viruses
  • New and emerging infections
  • Post-pandemic resilience in care environments

Robust and embedded IPC practices are a marker of quality, safety, and leadership. View IPC training options here.

Supporting guidance:

 

What’s new under the CQC Single Assessment Framework?

The CQC’s Single Assessment Framework introduces a more consistent, flexible, and evidence-led approach to inspections. Under this framework, IPC isn’t treated as a standalone issue—it’s woven into key quality statements and evidence categories, especially under Safe, Well-led, and Effective domains.

Expect inspectors to ask:

  • Are your IPC procedures followed consistently across your service?
  • Are staff competent and confident in applying IPC protocols?
  • Is IPC monitored and embedded into leadership, training, and culture?

 

5 key IPC areas to focus on in 2025

1. IPC competence

Inspectors are paying close attention to how providers ensure their team is competent in infection prevention and control. Annual training alone isn’t enough. It involves ongoing assessments, observation of practice, and evidence that staff can apply IPC measures in real scenarios.

Tip: Ensure IPC knowledge is applied in practice by using competency tools and recording progress through supervision. Learn more here.

 

2. Leadership and accountability

CQC wants to see that leaders take ownership of infection prevention and control. This includes:

  • Clear lines of responsibility
  • Regular reviews of IPC practices
  • Evidence that the leadership team responds quickly and effectively to outbreaks

Tip: Align your governance processes with your IPC plan—and make it visible during inspections.

 

3. Up-to-date and accessible policies

Your IPC policies should be:

  • Easy for staff to access and understand
  • Aligned with current national guidance (e.g. UKHSA)
  • Regularly reviewed and updated

Inspectors will ask to see these documents and will expect frontline staff to know where they are and how to use them.

 

4. Safe and clean environments

The physical environment remains a key focus, particularly in residential settings. CQC will look for:

  • Cleanliness audits with clear action plans
  • Well-maintained equipment
  • Effective waste management systems

Tip: Involve your team in cleanliness checks and audits. This shows shared responsibility.

 

5. Learning from incidents and outbreaks

The CQC expects providers to learn and improve following infection outbreaks. This includes:

  • Ensuring that incidents are documented clearly and accurately.
  • Staff debriefs and lessons are learned
  • Their are adjustments to IPC processes

Tip: Keep a record of how you applied learning to strengthen IPC after any event, even if it was minor.

 

How to prepare your service

  • Audit competence regularly – not just training, but confidence and practice.
  • Embed IPC into your culture – not just policies, but everyday language and routines.
  • Review policies often – don’t wait for an inspection to find gaps.
  • Empower staff – ensure they know the ‘why’ behind each IPC measure.
  • Capture evidence – through observations, digital records, and team feedback.
  • Stay informed—Explore free training reviews, articles, and guidance to support workforce development.

 

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