CuraFlow DC-D35CQCSection D · Care and Support Delivery
Key Safes Home Access and Lone Entry policy
For CQC-registered domiciliary care services · version 1.0 · last reviewed 1 June 2026
Getting into someone's home safely and respectfully needs agreed arrangements. This document deals with key safes, provider-held keys and fobs, digital and keypad locks, keeping access information secure, and how staff enter a home when working alone. Consent, privacy and the fact that it is the person's home run throughout.
What this policy covers
- Whose home it is — consent, privacy and respect
- The legal and good-practice basis
- Agreeing access arrangements
- Key safes
- Provider-held keys and fobs
- Digital and keypad locks
- Security of access information
- Entering a person’s home (lone entry)
- Gaining entry when there is no answer
- Lost, stolen or compromised keys or codes
- Ending of service and return of keys
- Recording and audit of keys and codes
Regulations and guidance it supports
Supports the fundamental standards at Regulations 12, 13, 17 and 20 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014.
- Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014
- Data Protection Act 2018
- Care Act 2014
Common questions
- Is the key safes home access and lone entry 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 12, 13, 17 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.