Re CQC being captured - yes - there are changes afoot at the top, but I don't have a sense yet as to whether they will land up in the land of sanity. I have made a few comments in response to their consultation but worry that the biological realist's version of equality is rather different to a blue-haired activiist.
The following is an extract from draft guidance about the characteristics on which services will be rated. This example is for a rating of 4 - the highest.
Equity in access : 4 - exceptional standard of care
People who may face barriers based on their protected characteristics access the care, support and treatment they need when they need it.
People can access care, treatment and support when they need to and in a way that works for them, which promotes equality, removes barriers or delays and protects their rights.
People can expect their care, treatment and support to be accessible, timely and in line with best practice, quality standards and legal requirements, including those on equality and human rights. This includes making reasonable adjustments for disabled people, addressing communication barriers and having accessible premises.
People can access services when they need to, without physical or digital barriers, including out of normal hours and in an emergency.
Leaders and staff are knowledgeable about, and pre-emptive in preventing discrimination and inequality impacting different groups of people in accessing care, treatment and support, whether this is from wider society, within their organisational processes and culture.
Providers use people’s feedback and other evidence to actively seek to improve access for people more likely to experience barriers or delays in accessing their care.
Services are designed to make them accessible and timely for people who are most likely to have difficulty accessing care. When there are barriers, they are removed.
When services change, equity of access is considered.
People have equal access to care, treatment and support because the provider complies with legal equality and human rights requirements, including avoiding discrimination, considering the needs of people with different protected characteristics and making reasonable adjustments. The provider prioritises, allocates resources and opportunities as needed to tackle inequalities and achieve equity of access.
I suppose my concern is that despite the reference to working within legal requirements, "Leaders and staff pre-emtping discrimination" could look awfully like allowing self-Id'd males into female facilities.
@Knotty - I'll send you the full document for your pile!