CQC and Ofsted news and insights, page 8
CQC and Ofsted compliance, explained
Advice, news and video on regulatory change and best practice for health and social care providers.
Articles, page 8
- Advice
How to Build Governance That Actually Works for Your Service
Governance is often viewed as a corporate requirement rather than a practical tool. Policies, committees, and reporting structures can easily become disconnected from daily care. Yet good governance should make work simpler, safer, and more consistent. Effective governance connects leadership, assurance, and improvement. It gives every team a clear line of sight between what happens
- Advice
What Good Board Assurance Looks Like in a CQC-Regulated Service
Many providers see Board Assurance as something abstract. It is often described as a framework, a report, or a dashboard. In practice, good assurance is about clarity and confidence. It is how leaders know that care is safe, risks are managed, and the organisation is heading in the right direction. In CQC-regulated services, the strength
- News
CQC Chief Executive Sir Julian Hartley Steps Down
Sir Julian Hartley has stepped down as Chief Executive of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) with immediate effect. Dr Arun Chopra, Chief Inspector of Mental Health, is expected to take on the role of Interim Chief Executive while recruitment for a permanent successor begins. Sir Julian’s decision follows ongoing discussions regarding care at Leeds Teaching
Understanding the Importance of the Provider Information Return
As part of routine monitoring of adult social care services, providers are required to complete an annual Adult Social Care Provider Information Return (PIR). The PIR helps regulators and inspectors understand how services are being run between site visits and supports continuous improvement in care. What Is the Provider Information Return (PIR)? The PIR
Crisis in Care Placements for Children With Complex Needs
The Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel has written to the Government to raise urgent concerns about the shortage of specialist placements for children with complex needs. The Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel has written to the Government to raise urgent concerns about the shortage of specialist placements for children with complex needs. The independent panel,
- Advice
How to Prepare: Your 2025 CQC Inspection Readiness Plan
Preparing for a CQC inspection in 2025 means aligning your service with the new Single Assessment Framework and Quality Statements. This guide outlines practical steps to stay CQC compliant – from updating audits and policies to empowering staff, gathering real-time evidence, and demonstrating strong leadership. Whether you run a care home, home care, or supported
- Advice
What to Do if Your CQC Application is Refused in 2025
With strong and UK wide demand for healthcare providers across Primary Care, Acute Care and Adult Social Care, there has been a significant increase in applications to the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Getting your organisation registered is essential before you can begin operating, so when your application is refused it can feel like a major
- Advice
Quick Wins for Busy Healthcare Providers to Stay CQC Compliant
Running a healthcare service often feels like spinning plates. You are managing staff, caring for patients, keeping on top of paperwork, and staying prepared for CQC inspections all at the same time. It is no surprise that CQC compliance can feel overwhelming. The good news is that staying compliant does not have to be complicated
- Advice
5 Steps to Improve a ‘Requires Improvement’ Rating from the CQC
Getting a Requires Improvement rating from the CQC can feel disheartening, but it is not the end of the road. In fact, it can be a turning point. The rating means there are things to work on, but with the right approach you can make real improvements and be in a strong position to achieve
- Advice
How to Add Another Regulated Activity to Your CQC Registration
If your organisation is already registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC), expanding into another regulated activity can feel like a natural next step. Whether you are branching into supported living, opening a new clinic, or adding diagnostic services to your care provision, it is important to remember that CQC treats this as a formal
- Advice
The Benefits of a Mock Inspection for CQC-Registered Providers
For any CQC-registered provider, inspections can be stressful. Preparing for an inspection involves ensuring compliance across multiple areas, from care quality and staff training to policies and record keeping. One of the most effective ways to prepare is by conducting a mock inspection. This proactive approach can highlight strengths, identify areas for improvement, and give
- Advice
5 Steps to Achieve an Outstanding CQC Inspection Rating
Achieving an outstanding CQC inspection rating is no easy feat, but it’s absolutely within reach if you’re armed with the right knowledge, preparation, and tools. The journey to excellence requires a commitment to providing top-tier care every day, but with the right guidance, you’ll be able to showcase the very best of your service. At
A clear next step, before a big commitment
Need help with something you have read?
Speak to one of our experts
Clinicians, a former CQC inspector and a former Registered Manager.
A 15-minute introductory call to explain your situation, explore the right support and discuss the next step.