CQC Essentials Training vs Mandatory Training: What's the Difference?
The short answer? CQC essentials training is tailored to help care providers meet the standards set by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), while mandatory training refers to the training legally or ethically required for staff to perform their roles safely and effectively. Though they often overlap, they are not exactly the same. Understanding the distinction between these two types of training is essential for anyone working in health and social care, whether you're a manager, care provider, or front-line worker. Getting it right can improve care quality, protect service users, and help organisations avoid compliance issues. Why the Confusion Exists It’s easy to see why these terms are often used interchangeably. Many of the topics covered in CQC essentials training are mandatory, and both types of training are usually required during onboarding or refresher periods. But there’s a key distinction: Mandatory training is driven by legal, health and safety, or clinical requirement...