Assessment framework: Gambling treatment and support services
We can provide this information in different languages and formats if needed – please contact CQCgamblingwork@cqc.org.uk to request this service.
Assessment methodology
Assessment level
It has been agreed that assessments will be undertaken at the provider level.
How we assess CQC’s 5 key questions at service level
We developed this inspection framework for the assessment of gambling support/treatment services using CQC’s assessment framework. This will enable us to assess against our 5 key questions to make a judgement whether services are:
- Safe
- Effective
- Caring
- Responsive
- Well-led
The types of services provided and to be assessed include:
- In-person individual and group sessions, and online and telephone therapeutic support for people with gambling problems.
- In-person individual and group sessions, online and telephone therapeutic support for affected others.
Assessment team
The assessment team will include a lead inspector and any other relevant team members to undertake assessment activities, including translators where required.
Interviews
Whenever possible, the assessment team will speak with people who are both working in and using gambling treatment and support services. This is to assess their views and reach a judgement of quality. The assessment team may speak to people individually or as a group. The team will agree the dates of the assessment with the provider to enable the service to make sure staff and clients will be available and to schedule interviews:
Key interviews will be with:
- service manager
- support staff, both specialist and general
- service users (including affected others)
- night staff (residential)
- outreach staff
- other staff who work in services (for ex data leads, operational leads)
- staff participating in peer support programme.
Other interviews (this list is not exhaustive – in-person or remote):
- stakeholders, including groups with lived experience
- aftercare treatment programmes
- external staff or agencies such as substance misuse services, mental health services
- primary care service links, for example local pharmacy.
Assessment of service users’ recovery documents
The assessment team will review documents in service users’ recovery files to assess relevant quality statements to reach a judgement of quality. The files will contain documents essential to the person’s treatment including:
- Triage assessment form
- (PG) Comprehensive assessment form (part 1)
- (AO) Assessment form (part 2)
- Support or Care Plan (for AO and PG)
- PGSI
- Core 10
- Comprehensive risk assessment
- Risk screening and management plan
- Referral forms
- Session notes
- Motivational interviewing (psychological treatment for harmful gambling)
Additional documents may include:
- Safeguarding records
- Satisfaction survey
Guidance documents
Guidance documents to inform the assessment team’s work will include:
- National Gambling Support Network Model of Care 2023/24
- KCL gambling research activities
- NICE guideline on Harmful gambling: identification, assessment and management
- GambleAware Reporting Requirements
- GambleAware Quality Standards