What do CQC actually look for in policies and procedures? with Julie Garrity.

In this episode, Devan speaks with Julie Garrity, Former CQC Inspector, Registered Manager, and Regulatory Investigator with more than 20 years of frontline and regulatory experience. Julie breaks down what the CQC actually looks for when reviewing policies and procedures—and why many providers still fall short even when “the paperwork is done.” Whether you’re a Registered Manager, Clinical Lead, or care provider trying to strengthen governance, this conversation cuts through the noise and gives you real clarity on what good looks like. What We Cover • What CQC inspectors really look for in policies Julie explains how inspectors assess whether policies genuinely reflect day-to-day practice—not just what’s written. • Why providers struggle with governance Devan and Julie explore common pitfalls: templated policies, outdated documents, complex language, and policies that staff don’t understand or use. • The root causes of poor compliance From siloed information to fear-based compliance cultures, Julie shares real examples of what leads to “Requires Improvement.” • How to turn policies into living, useful tools Devan reflects on leading care groups with 18 Outstanding ratings, and how focusing on people and outcomes builds natural compliance. • Introducing OpenDoc Devan reveals why Health Connect created OpenDoc—a collaborative, real-world policy ecosystem designed to fix static governance and support shared learning. Julie shares why this type of innovation aligns well with what CQC want to see. • Practical takeaways for care leaders Julie’s top tips for compliance-ready policies: Keep them real and usable Link them to lived examples Review them regularly—not reactively Why Listen? If you’ve ever said, “We have the policies—why did we still fail?”, this episode gives the answers. Julie brings a rare perspective from inside the regulator, and Devan connects it to real-world practice and innovation. Resources & Next Steps Explore OpenDoc via Health Connect to turn your policies into living, collaborative tools that support quality care and continuous improvement.