Who Needs to Be CQC Registered?

If you provide health or social care services in England, you may be legally required to register with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). But whether registration applies depends on one key factor: are you carrying out a regulated activity?

What Is CQC Registration?

Under the Health and Social Care Act 2008, any individual or organisation delivering regulated health or social care activities must be registered with the CQC. This ensures services meet essential standards of safety, quality, and governance.

What Counts as a Regulated Activity?

Some of the most common regulated activities include:

• Personal care (e.g. washing, dressing, eating)
• Treatment of disease, disorder, or injury
• Surgical procedures
• Diagnostic and screening services
• Nursing or maternity care

If your service delivers any of these, registration is likely required.

 

Who Needs to Register?

You’ll typically need CQC registration if you are:

• A care provider (care homes, domiciliary care services)
• A healthcare provider (clinics, GP or dental practices)
• An aesthetic provider offering medical services (prescribing, consultations, or treating medical conditions)

It’s important to note: it’s the activity, not the job title, that determines whether registration is needed.

 

Who Doesn’t?

You may not need to register if:

• You only provide non-medical or beauty treatments
• You work under a service that is already CQC registered
• Your services are outside England

 

Why It Matters

Operating without required CQC registration is a criminal offence and can lead to fines, closure, and reputational damage. On the other hand, being registered builds trust and demonstrates compliance with national standards.

 

Not Sure?

CQC requirements aren’t always clear-cut—especially in sectors like aesthetics. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to get advice early.

At HLTH Compliance, we help providers assess their obligations, manage registration, and stay compliant.