CQC compliance service
SAF Premises Assessment (CQC Site Visit)
A structured Regulation 15 compliance review of your premises and equipment, aligned to the Single Assessment Framework, with a CQC-style report, risk matrix and action plan.
Or call 0208 111 1188Trusted by UK providers since 2012
In short
We evaluate the suitability of your location, layout, facilities, security measures, infection control pathways, and environmental standards to ensure your premises fully meet CQC requirements for the chosen regulated activity.
Often combined with CQC Registration.
What Is a SAF Premises Assessment?
A Premises Assessment is a structured compliance review designed to ensure your environment meets all legal and regulatory requirements under Regulation 15 (Suitability of Premises and Equipment) of the Health & Social Care Act 2008, as well as the CQC’s Single Assessment Framework (SAF).
Regulation 15 requires providers to ensure that all premises, equipment, and facilities are:
- Safe
- Suitable for the purpose
- Properly maintained
- Clean, secure, and appropriately located
- In good repair and operationally functional
We conduct a full SAF-aligned assessment to identify environmental, safety, infection control, layout, and operational risks that may lead to enforcement action or poor inspection outcomes.
Why Regulation 15 Matters
CQC enforcement data shows that premises and equipment failures are among the most common causes of breaches, leading to:
- Notices of Concern
- Requirement Notices
- Warning Notices
- Inadequate or Requires Improvement ratings
- Delayed or refused registrations
A compliant environment is therefore fundamental to operational safety, inspection outcomes, and registration approvals.
How We Conduct a SAF Premises Assessment (Regulation 15-Aligned)
Our approach mirrors how CQC assesses premises under the Single Assessment Framework and directly cross-references Regulation 15 requirements.
1. Alignment to the ‘Safe’ Key Question
SAF Expectation: People receive care in safe, clean, well-maintained environments.
We assess:
- Building safety & environmental hazards
- Fire safety measures and emergency exits
- Secure storage of hazardous substances
- Infection prevention & control (IPC) compliance
- Lift, hoist, and equipment safety
- Maintenance records and remedial logs
Regulation 15 cross-reference:
- “Premises must be clean, secure, suitable for the purpose”
- “Provider must maintain premises and equipment to standards”
2. Alignment to the ‘Effective’ Key Question
SAF Expectation: The environment must support effective care and staff workflow.
We assess:
- Clinical room design & layout
- Equipment calibration & suitability
- Accessibility & disability compliance (Equality Act alignment)
- Lighting, ventilation, space utilisation
Regulation 15 cross-reference:
- “Equipment must be suitable, properly maintained, and used for its intended purpose.”
3. Alignment to the ‘Caring’ Key Question
SAF Expectation: Premises promote dignity, privacy, and comfort.
We assess:
- Privacy barriers
- Dignity safeguards
- Accessible facilities
- Cleanliness and comfort indicators
Regulation 15 cross-reference:
- “Premises must be fit for purpose and appropriate for the treatment provided.”
4. Alignment to the ‘Responsive’ Key Question
SAF Expectation: Environment must meet individual needs and service demands.
We assess:
- Layout suitability for service type (domiciliary care, clinics, supported living, etc.)
- Space utilisation for safe care delivery
- Waiting areas, consultation rooms, staff spaces
- Equipment usage vs. demand levels
Regulation 15 cross-reference:
- “Premises must be appropriate for the purpose for which they are being used.”
5. Alignment to the ‘Well-Led’ Key Question
SAF Expectation: Governance systems must provide oversight of premises and equipment.
We assess:
- Premises governance documentation
- Maintenance logs & planned preventive maintenance (PPM) schedules
- Facilities and equipment risk assessments
- Asset logs & calibration records
- Emergency preparedness plans
Regulation 15 cross-reference:
- “Providers must have systems in place to ensure premises and equipment meet legal requirements.”
What We Offer
Our SAF Premises Assessment includes the following. You receive a comprehensive CQC-style report, ready to demonstrate compliance during inspection or registration.
Full internal and external site inspection
Review of building safety, layout, maintenance, and IPC
Equipment suitability & Regulation 15 compliance review
Security and safeguarding measures
Accessibility and user experience evaluation
Fire safety & emergency preparedness assessment
Environmental risk register creation
SAF evidence mapping for inspection readiness
Photos, risk ratings, and recommendations
Why Choose Us
Deep expertise in Regulation 15, SAF environmental evidence, and CQC inspection methodology
Thorough and honest assessment — we highlight issues others overlook
Clear corrective action plan structured by risk priority
Experience across all regulated environments (care homes, clinics, supported living, urgent care, etc.)
Ability to integrate findings into wider governance frameworks
Pricing
Pricing varies based on service type and building size.
Virtual Premises Review
From £350 + VAT
On-Site SAF Premises Inspection
£650 – £1,200 + VAT
Large / multi-site assessments
Bespoke quotation
- All prices exclude VAT.
- Every quotation is fixed and transparent.
Process
Free Initial Consultation (Zoom)
We assess your regulated activity, building type, and inspection readiness.Document Review
Premises risk assessments, maintenance logs, fire audits, equipment inventory, IPC records.On-Site SAF Premises Assessment
Evidence gathered using SAF categories: observation, environment, records, processes, staff feedback, outcomes.Regulation 15 Compliance Review
Evidence is cross-referenced with every clause of Regulation 15.CQC-Style Report & Risk Matrix
Includes quality statement scores, Regulation 15 compliance notes, evidence references, photos and risk findings, and an action plan.Support with Remediation (optional)
We assist with corrective actions, IPC upgrades, layout adjustments, risk mitigation, documentation, and governance improvements.
Book Your SAF Premises Assessment
Ensure your premises meets Regulation 15 before CQC inspects. Book your free 30-minute Zoom consultation and secure a SAF-based premises review that protects your service from enforcement risk.
Answers
Common questions about CQC Site Visit / Premises Assessment
It is a structured review of your building against Regulation 15 (Suitability of Premises and Equipment) and the CQC Single Assessment Framework. We look at building safety, layout, maintenance and infection prevention and control, equipment suitability, security and safeguarding, accessibility, fire safety and emergency preparedness, and we produce an environmental risk register with evidence mapped to the SAF.
A virtual premises review starts from £350 plus VAT. An on-site SAF premises inspection is £650 to £1,200 plus VAT depending on service type and building size, and large or multi-site assessments are quoted individually.
Yes, and that is the best time. Premises and equipment failures are among the most common causes of breaches, delayed registrations and refused applications. The assessment begins with a free Zoom consultation, then a review of your risk assessments, maintenance logs, fire audits and equipment inventory, followed by the inspection and a corrective action plan ordered by risk priority.
Why providers choose QMADS for this
Inspection preparation
Build readiness before the inspector arrives
Assess your evidence, leadership and operational arrangements through focused reviews and mock inspections.
Quality assurance
Attention to the detail that matters
A structured review of your documentation and arrangements helps identify gaps, inconsistencies and operational risks.
Actionable recommendations
Know what to fix—and where to start
Prioritised action plans give your team clear steps, responsibilities and timescales.
Next step
Talk to us about CQC Site Visit / Premises Assessment
Book a free consultation or send us your details, and a QMADS consultant will come back to you with scope, timescales and a confirmed fee.