CuraFlow DC-A10CQCSection A · Governance, Leadership and Business
Duty of Candour policy
For CQC-registered domiciliary care services · version 1.0 · last reviewed 1 June 2026
Being open when something goes wrong. The policy explains the two duties of candour, the criteria that trigger them, and the harm thresholds that apply to a home care service, with examples. It then sets out the procedure: recognising and reporting an incident, telling the relevant person face to face, and giving a truthful account with next steps.
What this policy covers
- The two duties of candour
- The three criteria
- The harm thresholds for our service
- Examples in home care
- The duty of candour procedure
- Recognise and report
- Tell the relevant person, in person
- Give a truthful account and explain next steps
- Apologise
- Provide support
- Follow up in writing
- Keep a record
Regulations and guidance it supports
Supports the fundamental standards at Regulations 17, 18 and 20 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014.
- Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014
- Care Quality Commission (Registration) Regulations 2009
- Mental Capacity Act 2005
- Equality Act 2010
- Human Rights Act 1998
Common questions
- Is the duty of candour policy CQC-aligned?
- Yes. It is written and reviewed by practising UK compliance consultants against current CQC expectations, and supports the fundamental standards at Regulations 17, 18 and 20. It is a controlled starting-point document that you adapt to your own service — you remain the accountable provider.
- Can I download and edit this policy?
- Yes. It downloads as Word (.docx) or PDF with your company name, registered manager, CQC ID and address already filled in on the cover page and throughout the document. The Word version is fully editable.
- Can I buy this policy on its own?
- Policies are sold as a complete library rather than individually, because CQC expects a coherent set that cross-references properly — a single policy in isolation creates gaps. The domiciliary care library contains 141 policies and can be bought outright as a one-off purchase and kept permanently.
- How often is it reviewed?
- The library is re-reviewed every six months and after any material regulatory change. This policy was last reviewed 1 June 2026, and is at version 1.0. Updates reach you automatically, so downloads always reflect the current version.