What should be on an audit schedule?
A practical audit schedule should include both routine checks and risk-based checks.
- Care plans, risk assessments and reviews.
- Medication records and medicines governance where relevant.
- Staff files, safer recruitment, training and supervision.
- Incidents, accidents, safeguarding and complaints.
- Infection prevention and health and safety.
- Daily records, visit records or service delivery records.
- Governance meetings, provider visits and action completion.
How often should audits be completed?
There is no single frequency that fits every provider. High-risk areas, recent concerns and regulated activity should be reviewed more often. Providers should be able to explain why the schedule is appropriate for their service.
What should happen after an audit?
Every meaningful finding should lead to an action or a recorded decision. The provider should later check whether the action was completed and whether it improved practice.
Practical next step
Build an audit schedule for the next quarter and mark which checks are routine, which are risk-based, and who will review the findings.
Sources to review
Regulatory guidance changes. Use these sources as review points before treating this guide as policy or legal advice.