Check the scope
Care involving provider-supplied accommodation or an overnight stay, or arrangements that include meeting nutritional or hydration needs. Scope depends on the service’s responsibilities, not simply its sector label.
What the law requires
- Meet nutritional and hydration needs within the regulation’s scope, including suitable food and drink, prescribed parenteral nutrition or dietary supplements, and necessary support to eat or drink.
- Meet reasonable requirements arising from the person’s preferences and religious or cultural background.
- The obligation does not require action that would breach consent requirements or would not be in the person’s best interests. Apply the relevant Mental Capacity Act provisions when required.
What CQC expects
- CQC guidance expects initial assessment and ongoing review by people with appropriate knowledge, including allergies, intolerances, risks and the assistance needed.
- Staff should follow current plans, make food and drink accessible and respond promptly to concerns. Specialist advice should be obtained and followed when needed.
Suggested checks for your review
- Check the service’s agreed responsibilities before deciding which nutritional duties and records are relevant.
- Sample people needing support: compare assessment, plan, actual assistance, intake monitoring where indicated and response to deterioration.
- Observe whether drinks and suitable food are reachable, assistance is timely and choices reflect the person’s preferences.
Illustrative evidence
Choose evidence relevant to the actual service and risk. These examples are not a universal list of documents required by CQC.
- Nutrition and hydration assessments with clear support and escalation arrangements.
- Relevant monitoring records, specialist recommendations and evidence of follow-up.
- Menus, individual preferences and staff competence records appropriate to the service.
Potential gaps to check
- Charts are completed but declining intake does not lead to assessment or action.
- A meal is recorded as offered although the person could not reach it or needed assistance.
- Specialist advice is filed without updating daily instructions, or a standard diet overrides the person’s assessed needs.
Sources and review
- cqc.org.uk — Regulation 14 (opens in a new tab)
- legislation.gov.uk — Uksi · 2014 · 2936 · regulation · 14 (opens in a new tab)
Content version: 1 November 2026. Next planned review 1 December 2026. Check current primary sources before relying on a requirement.
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Content version: . Named expert review remains pending for public launch.