How CQC inspects gambling treatment services

This schedule provides a guide to the timings of our activity during the assessment process.

Activity: We will telephone providers to announce our assessment.

Timescale: 10 working days before the assessment.

Activity: We will also send a letter to providers by email to confirm the assessment along with a provider information return (PIR) form.

Timescale: 10 working days before the assessment.

Your staff should use this period to return any requested information and offer service users an opportunity to give feedback through the service user survey.

Activity: We carry out the on-site or remote assessment of gambling treatment services.

Timescale: The duration of the assessment will depend on the size and geographical spread of your service(s). We will confirm this when we telephone you to announce the assessment.

Activity: The provider submits any additional information (if we ask for it).

Timescale: Up to 7 working days after the assessment.

During this time, we write a draft assessment report and complete internal quality assurance processes, including review by an independent panel.

Activity: We send the draft assessment report to the provider by email to check the factual accuracy.

Timescale: On or around 20 working days after the end of the on-site assessment.

Activity: Deadline for the provider to return any comments on the factual accuracy of the draft report.

Timescale: 10 working days from the date you receive the draft assessment report.

We consider your comments and amend the report if we accept them. If significant amendments or changes to our judgements are necessary they are reviewed by an independent quality panel.

Activity: We email the final report to the provider and commissioners.

Timescale: On or before 50 working days after the end of the assessment.