CQC Update Equally Outstanding Learning Modules

A year ago the CQC published Equally Outstanding, a resource which shows how a focus on equality and human rights can improve care quality – even in times of financial constraint.

One year on, they have updated Equally Outstanding with a new e-learning module,
extra case studies from outstanding providers
and an updated pdf version based on feedback.

These resources are designed to help people working in health and social care to:

• understand the different reasons why a focus on equality and human rights can improve care quality
• make the case for equality and human rights in quality improvement work
• learn from providers who have worked on equality and human rights to deliver outstanding care
• reflect on the common success factors in outstanding providers using equality and human rights to improve care
• think about how a focus on equality and human rights can help meet challenges in times of financial constraint

Why pay attention to equality and human rights?

The Ethical Case

Paying attention to equality and human rights improves care as it gives people the outcomes they want.  Human rights cover the FREDA principles of:

• fairness
• respect
• equality
• dignity
• autonomy

Outstanding providers have tackled this by putting better outcomes for people at the heart of their service development.

Person-centred care is essential because it is based on respect and autonomy meets individual needs so helps achieve equality.

The Business Case

• There is a link between equality and inclusion for health and social care staff and quality of care.
• Improving workforce equality can reduce costs by reducing staff turnover, absenteeism and disciplinary action.
• A diverse workforce adds value to the organisation.
• For people using the service, addressing equality and human rights can both improve the quality of care and save costs. For example: sending information in appropriate formats or languages could reduce missed appointments; environmental adaptations in social care services can increase autonomy; welcoming, easily accessible services can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment.  
• The CQC sees links between quality ratings and how providers perform on equality and human rights.

The Economic Case

A focus on equality and human rights can save the country money.  For example: ill health, or a deterioration in people’s health, can be prevented if health inequalities or barriers to accessing services are tackled; ill health leads to lower productivity and higher welfare costs so services can help enable people to participate socially and economically.

The Legal Case

Considering equality and human rights is often a legal requirement.

CQC regulations are designed to ensure that people using services have their human rights upheld.

The Mental Capacity Act 2005 gives specific human rights protection to adults who may not be able to make particular decisions.

Service providers must comply with equality legislation

Find out more at Equally Outstanding: Equality and human rights - good practice resource