CQC and Ofsted news and insights, page 3
CQC and Ofsted compliance, explained
Advice, news and video on regulatory change and best practice for health and social care providers.
Articles, page 3
- Advice
Why Wellbeing is a Governance Issue
in Health and Social Care Wellbeing in health and social care is often viewed as a workforce or HR concern. In reality, it is a core governance issue that directly impacts service quality, regulatory compliance, and risk management. For providers regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), staff wellbeing
- News
HLTH Chat – Modern Obesity Management: Why Weight Loss Medications Are Only Part of the Picture
The conversation around obesity management has changed dramatically over the past few years. With the rise of GLP-1 medications and increasing public awareness of obesity treatment options, more people than ever are seeking support to improve their health. But as award-winning bariatric physician Dr Anjanli Zalin explains on a recent episode of HLTH Chat, effective
- Advice
How Asset Monitoring & Reporting Can Help Your Business
Managing assets across a health or care organisation can quickly become challenging. Equipment is often spread across multiple locations, maintenance schedules can be overlooked, and records may become inconsistent over time. An effective Asset Monitoring & Reporting system gives you complete visibility of your assets, helping you understand what you own, where it is, and
- News
CQC June 2026 Update: Piloting the New Assessment Approach
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has confirmed that its proposed new assessment approach is currently being tested through a structured national pilot programme running from June to October 2026, with a full evaluation and review scheduled for November 2026. The purpose of the pilot is to ensure the new assessment methodology is credible, consistent, transparent,
- Advice
Preparing for an Ofsted Inspection: Practical Steps for Success
For many education and care providers, the prospect of an Ofsted inspection can feel daunting. The most successful inspections are rarely the result of last-minute preparation. Instead, they reflect a culture of continuous improvement, strong leadership and a clear focus on delivering positive outcomes. Whether your inspection is expected or unannounced, being prepared can help
- Advice
Staff Holidays and Safe Staffing: Finding the Balance
Managing annual leave in health and social care settings is rarely straightforward. While staff deserve time to rest and recharge, providers must also ensure services remain safe, compliant and properly staffed throughout the year. (Particularly during busy summer months.) Poor holiday planning can quickly become more than just an operational headache. Staffing shortages may impact
Heatwave Preparedness as a Marker of Good Governance
Heatwaves are increasingly being viewed as more than an operational challenge in regulated services. They are becoming a useful indicator of how strong an organisation’s governance, risk management, and overall resilience really are. Periods of extreme heat place pressure on staffing, clinical safety, infrastructure, and service continuity.
- Advice
Does My Aesthetics Business Need to Be CQC Registered?
One of the most common questions in the aesthetics industry is: “Do I need CQC registration for my clinic?” The answer depends on the treatments you offer and how your business operates. What Is the CQC? The Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulates healthcare services in England. Some aesthetics businesses are legally required to register if
- Advice
The Most Common Audit Failures in Healthcare Services
Audits are a key part of maintaining quality and compliance in healthcare and social care services. However, many providers still struggle with repeat issues that weaken their overall compliance position. Regulators like the Care Quality Commission (CQC) use audit outcomes as a key indicator of how effectively a service monitors and improves its quality standards.
- News
CQC Announces “Next Phase” of Local Authority Assessments
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has published further details on the next phase of its local authority assessment programme, following the completion of its initial “baselining” work across England. The update focuses less on changing the assessment framework itself, and more on how assessments will now be carried out in practice. What’s Changing? One of
What Do Outstanding CQC Services Have in Common?
An “Outstanding” rating from the Care Quality Commission isn’t usually about perfect paperwork or impressing inspectors on the day. The services that achieve Outstanding tend to share the same core qualities; strong leadership, positive culture, and genuine person-centred care. Strong, Visible Leadership Outstanding services usually have leaders who are: Present and approachable Consistent in their
- Advice
Starting a Care Service in Scotland? Here’s What You Need to Know.
If you’re planning to provide a care service in Scotland, you’ll need to register with the Care Inspectorate before you begin operating. Registration isn’t optional – it’s a legal requirement for anyone delivering defined care services. What Is Registration? In Scotland, care services are regulated under the Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010. This means
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