CQC and Ofsted news and insights, page 10
CQC and Ofsted compliance, explained
Advice, news and video on regulatory change and best practice for health and social care providers.
Articles, page 10
- Advice
Navigating the CQC Single Assessment Framework: What Providers Need to Know
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) introduced its Single Assessment Framework (SAF) to create a more consistent and transparent method of assessing providers across health and social care. While it marks a significant shift from the historic KLOEs (Key Lines of Enquiry), the SAF retains a familiar emphasis on quality and safety—albeit in a more streamlined
- News
HLTH Care: Stuart Stokes Appointed Head of Care
We are pleased to announce that Stuart Stokes will be joining HLTH Compliance as our new Head of Care, where he will lead our newly established children’s division. This appointment follows the recent acquisition of Progress Lives, a children’s residential home, marking an exciting step forward in our development. This move has been many months
- News
Overseas Recruitment in Social Care: What the Government’s Immigration White Paper Means for Providers
The UK Government is set to publish its Immigration White Paper tomorrow (Monday 12 May), outlining a significant change in the recruitment of overseas care workers as part of wider efforts to reduce net migration. The policy marks a major shift in the care sector’s workforce planning, with the closure of new overseas recruitment for
- Advice
Common Mistakes When Applying for Ofsted Registration — And How to Avoid Them
Securing Ofsted registration for a children’s home is a detailed and demanding process. Many first-time applicants underestimate the level of scrutiny involved. At HLTH Compliance, we frequently support providers who encounter challenges during registration — often due to avoidable mistakes early on. Here are the most common pitfalls we see — and how you can
- Advice
Navigating Ofsted Registration for Children’s Homes: Key Steps to Success
Setting up a children’s home is an incredibly rewarding endeavour — but gaining Ofsted registration can be a complex and challenging process. At HLTH Compliance, we regularly support providers to successfully navigate this journey. Here, we outline the critical steps to achieve registration and set the foundation for high-quality care. Understanding the Requirements Before applying,
- Advice
New Immigration Rules Prioritise Care Workers Already in England
On 12 March 2025, the UK Government introduced new immigration rules that significantly impact the way care providers recruit international workers. Effective from 9 April 2025, the updated legislation requires care providers in England to prioritise the recruitment of international care workers who are already residing in the UK and are in need of new
- News
Dr Arun Chopra Appointed as CQC’s First Chief Inspector of Mental Health
Dr Chopra brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served as Medical Director of the Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland from 2020 to 2024. His extensive contributions to mental health services have been nationally recognised; he is a recent recipient of the prestigious President’s Medal from the Royal College of Psychiatrists, awarded
- News
£99 Million Transformation Fails to Deliver: Scathing Review Reveals Extent of CQC’s IT Collapse
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is facing renewed scrutiny after an independent review exposed the failure of its £99 million transformation programme, intended to modernise its regulatory technology. The review, conducted by IT expert Peter Gill, found that the “vast majority” of anticipated benefits from the programme have yet to be realised. Government Watching
- Advice
The Registration Process with Ofsted: A Step-by-Step Guide
At HLTH Compliance, we specialise in supporting providers with the Ofsted registration process for children’s homes. We guide you through each stage to ensure compliance with Ofsted’s standards and give you the best chance of success. Here’s a detailed overview of the steps involved in registering your children’s home with Ofsted. 1. Understanding the Registration
- News
NHS England to Be Abolished in Major Shake-Up
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced that NHS England will be abolished in a move aimed at reducing bureaucracy and streamlining the management of the National Health Service. The decision marks a significant shift in healthcare governance, bringing NHS operations back under the direct control of the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).
- Advice
How Can I Maintain Ongoing CQC Compliance?
Once you’re registered with CQC, the work doesn’t stop there. Ongoing compliance is essential to ensure that your service consistently meets the high standards expected. For smaller providers or those with limited teams, maintaining compliance might seem overwhelming. However, with the right approach, it is possible to keep up with the CQC’s expectations without burning
- News
Ofsted’s Vision for Early Years
At the 2025 Nursery World Business Summit in London, Sir Martyn Oliver, Ofsted’s Chief Inspector, addressed early years professionals, expressing gratitude for their dedication to providing children with the best start in life. He emphasized the critical role of early years education in laying the foundation for lifelong learning. Sir Martyn introduced proposed changes to
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