A new consultation, or a trip back in time?
Yesterday, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) launched its new consultation Better Regulation, Better Care: Improving How We Assess and Rate Providers.
Across the social care sector, many felt a distinct sense of déjà vu.
After the chaotic rollout of the Single Assessment Framework (SAF) and the near-collapse in confidence across the system, CQC appears to be stepping back into the DeLorean heading for 2014 to rediscover what once made regulation clearer, fairer, and more consistent.
Rediscovering What Worked
The consultation signals a return to what many see as the golden age of clarity in regulation:
- Reinforcing the importance off Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive, Well-led
- Retiring the current “quality statements”
- Reintroducing a refreshed version of the Key Lines of Enquiry (KLOEs)
- Publishing rating characteristics that clarify what “Good” and “Outstanding” look like
- Creating sector-specific inspection frameworks rather than blending health and social care
For many providers, this could be a welcome course correction. The current framework has felt data driven, opaque, and inconsistent, reducing the complexity of care into metrics rather than meaning.
A simpler, sector-specific approach could restore trust, professional judgement, and consistency across inspections. Giving providers and inspectors a shared language of quality once again.
Caution: Don’t get stuck in 2014
But as any Back to the Future fan knows, returning to the past can create paradoxes.
The care sector of 2025 is a world apart from 2014. Providers now face:
- Chronic recruitment and retention challenges
- Mounting financial pressure
- Rising complexity of care needs
- A post-pandemic digital reality
- And the disruptive potential of AI in social care
Simply reviving an old framework won’t be enough. Success will depend on modern execution, collaboration with providers, and real-world understanding of the environment in which care is delivered today.
If CQC truly wants to rebuild credibility, it must blend the best of the past with a forward-looking, evidence-informed approach.
The Road Ahead: Shaping Regulation for the Future
As Doc Brown said, “Your future is whatever you make it, so make it a good one.”
This consultation represents a chance to reset the regulatory relationship.
Done well, it could bring back clarity, consistency, and transparency, transforming regulation from a compliance burden into a collaborative partnership for improvement.
Done poorly, it risks another cycle of confusion and disengagement.
Get involved
Providers have until 5 December 2025 to respond to the consultation.
This is your opportunity to help shape how social care inspections and quality ratings evolve. Your insight as a provider, manager, or compliance lead could directly influence the outcome.
Final Thought
The CQC’s Better Regulation, Better Care consultation isn’t just a nostalgic return, it’s a pivotal moment for progress.
If executed with honesty and partnership, it could redefine regulation as a force for improvement, not an obstacle. Because sometimes, the best way to move forward… is to go Back to the Future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CQC’s “Better Regulation, Better Care” consultation?
It’s a 2025 proposal from the Care Quality Commission to simplify and improve how it assesses and rates providers. The consultation reintroduces the five key questions and Key Lines of Enquiry (KLOEs) for clearer, more consistent regulation.
When does the consultation close?
The CQC consultation closes on 5 December 2025. Providers and sector leaders are encouraged to submit feedback before this date.
Why does this matter for social care providers?
Because it could reshape the way care quality is defined, assessed, and rated, restoring clarity, professional judgement, and trust in the inspection process.
How can I prepare for CQC inspection changes?
Start by reviewing your current compliance framework. For guidance, read: How to Prepare for a CQC Inspection
Next Steps for Providers
- Read the full consultation on the CQC website
- Explore QCS insights on CQC assessment framework updates
- Join the conversation: What do you think about returning to the five key questions? Comment or share your views with us on LinkedIn or Facebook
