RESEARCH INTO THE QUALITATIVE INDICATORS OF RISK

In the context of this project, an indicator is defined as: ‘a sign that shows the condition or existence of something’, in this instance risk of poor quality care. In particular, we anticipate that the project will result in a set of measures that either singularly, or in combination, could be used by CQC to understand risk and potentially trigger an appropriate regulatory action. These measures may be operationalised in a number of ways; for example, via the development of thresholds or as comparative indicators.

We intend for this research to establish what indicators of risk can be identified from the range of qualitative data sources CQC receives. This includes:

• Qualitative information generated by CQC, for example via Thematic Reviews; • Qualitative information we receive directly from people who have received or provide care, for example via complaints from the public and whistleblowing information; • Qualitative information we receive from other national organisations, for example the Local Government Ombudsman; • Qualitative Information we get from local organisations, for example Local Healthwatch and Overview and Scrutiny Committees.

In commissioning this research, CQC seeks to understand what indicators of risk are present in qualitative data received by the organisation and what volume of qualitative information warrants concern. In relation to this, it is important to note that risk in qualitative information could be indicated by seriousness and not necessarily by volume alone.

In order to meet this overarching requirement, we expect the successful provider will include the following elements within their methodology; however, we welcome suggestions for alternative or additional approaches and methods.

Additional information: Dear Sir/Madam, You are hereby invited by the Care Quality Commission to tender services as described in the accompanying documentation. For this purpose we enclose the following documents which will form the basis of any contract the Commission (Customer) may award.

This is a competition run within the Care Quality Commission and contractors are reminded that CQC terms and conditions shall apply. Please be aware that deviations from the terms and conditions may well be regarded as constituting non-compliant bids.

Please note: We do not accept submissions by e-mail or fax, we will only accept submissions via BiP Solutions, Vault*

Invited parties are required to download the Invitation to Tender documentation from BiP Solutions. Once complete, please provide your response by uploading your submission back to BiP Solutions no later than 17.00 hours on 24th February 2016.

The information and documents for this tender will be accessible at the following website https://www.delta-esourcing.com To be able to access these documents you will firstly need to register your company details and enter the following Tender Access Code (TAC) 837R23237U at the bottom of the registration page, thereafter you will be issued with a USERNAME and PASSWORD. If you have already registered with Delta previously, please follow the link shown and click on the 'Delta-ets Home' tab, this will redirect you to the home page where you can log on using your existing username and password to collect the tender documents.

Please keep this USERNAME and PASSWORD secure, and do not pass it to any third parties. You must then log into Delta-esourcing and then click on the Vault tab, if you have added the TAC to your registration you will automatically view the tender title. Click on this link and you will be taken into the tenderbox where documents are stored. If you have previously accessed Delta the please enter the TAC and you will be able to access the documentation.

Please check that you are able to access these online invitation to tender (ITT) documents. Please ensure that you allow yourself plenty of time when responding to this invite prior to the closing date and time. If you are uploading multiple documents you will have to individually load one document at a time or you can opt to zip all the documents into WinZip or WinRar. Please use only Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and PDF as your document formats. If you are experiencing problems, then please contact the Delta helpdesk @ helpdesk@delta-esourcing.com or call 0845 270 7050 for further assistance. Please note that any Tender received via paper hard copy or email shall not be considered.