At the recent Care Quality Commission Framework Roadshow events, CQC representatives confirmed that elements of the proposed new assessment frameworks will be piloted throughout Summer and Autumn 2026.

The pilot activity is expected to begin from June 2026 and will include sampling across different provider sectors and service types.
CQC advised that:

• Providers selected for inspection during the pilot period will be notified and asked whether they are willing to participate
• Existing planned inspections may be included within the pilot programme
• Feedback from pilot inspections will be used to refine and strengthen the frameworks before wider implementation
• Further pilot phases will then incorporate learning from earlier testing and engagement

These developments form part of wider planned changes to how health and social care services are assessed, with sector-specific frameworks expected to replace the current Single Assessment Framework over time.

The changes follow significant sector feedback that a single regulatory model does not always reflect the operational differences between service types.
The proposed direction is toward separate frameworks for:

• Adult Social Care
• Primary Care
• Mental Health Services
• Hospital and Specialist Services

This means providers are likely to see assessment criteria that better reflect the operational realities, risks and responsibilities within each sector.

Importantly, current compliance expectations do not change. Providers must still be able to evidence safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led services under existing requirements while preparing for future regulatory developments.

The five key questions remain unchanged and continue to underpin all regulatory judgement:

• Safe
• Effective
• Caring
• Responsive
• Well-led

Although framework changes are being developed, providers should continue focusing on everyday compliance rather than waiting for formal implementation.

Inspection outcomes will continue to depend on whether providers can demonstrate effective governance oversight, safe systems and controls, leadership accountability, learning from incidents, and evidence that improvement activity is embedded in practice.

Whatever framework is ultimately introduced, governance will remain one of the strongest indicators of regulatory confidence. Providers that maintain clear oversight, operational accountability and robust evidence systems will be best placed as regulatory changes continue to develop.

HLTH Compliance’s updated CQC training events (Click Here to Book On) begin from mid-May and focus on both preparing providers for inspection under the current framework, alongside understanding and preparing for the wider regulatory and assessment changes expected across 2026 and beyond.

We continue supporting providers across health and social care to remain inspection-ready through practical compliance advice, governance review and operational assurance.