CQC and Ofsted news and insights, page 7
CQC and Ofsted compliance, explained
Advice, news and video on regulatory change and best practice for health and social care providers.
Articles, page 7
- Advice
Sexual Harassment in the Workplace: What the Employment Rights Bill Means for Employers
The UK’s approach to workplace safety is undergoing a fundamental shift. Following the introduction of the Worker Protection Act last year, employers are already under a strengthened legal duty to prevent sexual harassment at work. The forthcoming Employment Rights Bill will go further still, placing significantly greater expectations on employers and HR teams. While the
- Advice
What Is CQC Registration?
If you want to provide regulated health or adult social care services in England, you will almost certainly need to register with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). This process is known as CQC Registration, and it is one of the most important milestones for any new provider, as it determines whether you are legally allowed
- Advice
UK Visa Update – English Language Requirements Increased – What Health and Social Care Providers Need to Know
The UK Government has tightened immigration rules by raising the English language requirements for several major work visa routes, effective from Thursday 8th January 2026. Applicants under the Skilled Worker, Scale-up Worker, and High Potential Individual visa routes must now meet a higher standard of English, increasing from B1 to B2 across speaking, listening, reading
- News
PSA Annual Review of the GMC: What It Means for Doctors, Clinics, and Healthcare Organisations
The Professional Standards Authority (PSA) has published its annual performance review of the General Medical Council (GMC), assessing how effectively it has regulated the medical profession during 2024/25 against the Standards of Good Regulation. These reviews are a key component of the UK’s professional regulatory framework. They provide assurance that regulators are protecting patients, maintaining
- Advice
CQC Announces Aims for 2026 – HLTH Compliance Response
The Care Quality Commission has published its end of year reflections and outlined its ambitions for 2026, led by its four Chief Inspectors across hospitals, adult social care, primary and community services, and mental health. At HLTH Compliance, we welcome the renewed focus on clarity, consistency, inspection volume, and collaboration. These themes closely reflect what
- News
CQC’s 2025 Progress Statement – HLTH Compliance Response
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has published its 2025 Progress Statement, setting out the steps taken over the last year to rebuild the organisation and strengthen the regulation of health and adult social care services. The statement outlines tangible operational improvements, structural changes, and a clear direction of travel into 2026 and beyond. From a
- Advice
April 2026 Minimum Wage Changes – What Employers Need to Know
The government has confirmed updated National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates, due to come into force on 1 April 2026. Every pay band will increase. For health and social care providers, these changes require early attention. Workforce costs already sit at the centre of service delivery, and minimum wage uplifts can have a
- Advice
Ways to Build a culture of improvement
Continuous improvement does not require big projects or new roles. It begins with curiosity, reflection, and a willingness to act on what is learned. In CQC-regulated services, a culture of improvement is what turns compliance into lasting quality. Many teams already do improvement work without naming it as such. They test new ideas, adapt care
- Advice
How Difficult Is the Ofsted Registration Process
Many new providers underestimate how detailed the Ofsted registration process can be. It is not impossible, but it does require planning, clarity, and a strong understanding of what Ofsted expects. Whether you are opening a children’s home, supported accommodation, or fostering agency, preparation is key to success. The process begins with deciding the service type
- News
Government U-Turn on Day-One Unfair Dismissal Rights – What Providers Need to Know
The government has reversed its original plan to introduce day-one unfair dismissal rights for all employees. Instead, the qualifying period will move to six months’ service, following strong opposition from employer groups and further challenge in the House of Lords. What is still going ahead Day-one rights to statutory sick pay and paternity leave
- Advice
Do I Need an Interim Registered Manager
When a Registered Manager leaves, many providers face the same question – should we appoint an interim? It can feel like a short-term fix, but in many cases, it is the best way to maintain compliance, stability, and confidence during a period of change. CQC expects every regulated service to have a fit and proper
- News
CQC announces next phase of regulatory improvement
CQC has set out a programme of change for the period through to 2028, with a focus on improving regulation across health and adult social care. The announcement highlights progress already made and confirms further updates planned over the next three years. CQC states that early improvements are already visible in registration processes. Work
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