Fit and Proper Person Test
The fit and proper person requirement obliges providers to satisfy themselves that directors and equivalent senior people are of good character, physically and mentally fit for the role, appropriately qualified and experienced, and have not been responsible for serious misconduct or mismanagement.
Fit and Proper Person Test in practice
It applies to board-level and equivalent appointments, and the obligation sits with the provider rather than with the individual: you have to be able to show how you checked, not merely assert that the person is suitable.
The evidence usually includes identity, qualifications, employment history with gaps explained, references, a DBS check at the appropriate level, a health declaration, and checks against any relevant professional register or disqualification list.
It is a continuing duty rather than a recruitment step. If something changes about a person already in post, the provider is expected to act on it.
Back to the glossaryRelated definitions
Nominated Individual
A Nominated Individual is the person a CQC-registered organisation names as responsible for supervising how its regulated activities are carried on, and they must be an employed director, manager or company secretary of the provider.
Read definitionRegistered Manager
A Registered Manager is the person registered with CQC to manage a regulated activity at a specific location, and most services cannot legally operate without one in post.
Read definitionEnhanced DBS check
An enhanced DBS check is the highest standard level of criminal record check, and for CQC registration it must normally be an enhanced check with the appropriate barred list check, countersigned by CQC where the applicant is not a registered healthcare professional.
Read definitionRegistering with CQC or Ofsted?
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