CQC – What do we know about how services will be regulated | QCS

CQC – What do we know about how services will be regulated

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CQC – What do we know about how services will be regulated

Background:

As we all know, the CQC has faced a very challenging couple of years. They introduced the Single Assessment Framework, changed inspectors’ roles, and rolled out new technology all at the same time. This created significant difficulties, both within the CQC and for providers.

Key issues included:

  • A one size fits all inspection framework, that did not recognise the differences between sectors
  • A ‘big bang’ of changes rather than a phased rollout, with the CQC failing to meaningfully engage both internally and externally
  • A complex scoring and judgement process that was difficult to understand
  • Technology that couldn’t cope with the changes
  • The removal of specialist sector teams and portfolio oversight, resulting in fragmented processes and poor communication between inspectors and providers

 

These problems were further exacerbated by internal and external reviews of the CQC and its processes, culminating in the organisation openly acknowledging that it had ‘got it wrong’.

This prompted a fundamental rethink of the inspection methodology and a commitment to rebuilding trust among both providers and wider stakeholders.

The subsequent leadership changes inevitably raise the question of whether the CQC has retained sufficient organisational memory of these past failings to ensure meaningful and enduring improvement.

So where are we now, and what do you need to be aware of

What’s staying the same:

  • The 5 key questions: Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive, and Well-Led
  • Service ratings: Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, or Inadequate
  • Regulations: Inspections will still follow the Fundamental Standards from the Health and Social Care Act
  • Inspection focus: The same aspects will be reviewed during inspections
  • No new subjects: CQC won’t introduce new areas or demand entirely new types of evidence
  • Enforcement: The regulator will continue to take action when risks are identified

 

What’s changing:

  • The number of Quality Statements is going to be significantly reduced, to be simpler and limit the amount of duplication. These will also no longer been known as Quality Statements but Key Lines of Enquiry (KLOEs)
  • The number will be reduced from 34 to 24
  • Key Lines of Enquiry will be phrased as questions and the areas that the CQC will focus on under each KLOEs will be shared
  • More description of what the revised KLOEs mean in practical terms for individual service types, rolling back of ‘one size fits all’
  • There will be four sector specific frameworks for Adult Social Care, Mental Health Care, Primary Care and Community Services and hospitals (secondary and specialist care)
  • Clear inspection handbook – so you understand what to expect during an inspection
  • Return to sector-based directorates with specialist understanding of your sector and what inspection and regulation means for you
  • Characteristics of ratings to clearly let you know what evidence you will need to have to show how you meet the different rating levels
  • Improved IT systems and processes to be more effective and efficient in how information is shared between services and the CQC
  • More transparency in ways of working, with named inspectors with knowledge of your service area
  • More use of technology and data – driven monitoring and exploration of how AI can assist with regulation, and focusing on increasing inspection activity

 

During 2026 there will be a phased approach to any changes, and they will be tested and revised based on what people tell the CQC.

There is now a consultation running on the changes, and the closing date is 12 June 2026.

When implemented, these changes will result in increased and better focused inspection activity.

 

What should I do now

  • Use the QCS Compliance Centre and explore the wide range of content beyond the policies
  • Ensure clear governance, consistent documentation and strong compliance which all play an important role in how your organisation is perceived
  • Complete your audits and governance schedule
  • Focus on quality and highlight areas for improvement and develop action plans to address any concerns
  • Ensure you have evidence to support what you do
  • Arrange this evidence under the 5 key questions
  • Be prepared for an inspection by ensuring you, staff teams and others involved with you service are aware of CQC changes and ways of working
  • Complete notifications and have regular communication with the CQC. Do not hide and wait for them to come to you, be proactive and positive in your relationship with them

How QCS Can Support You

At QCS, we speak to providers every day who tell us the same thing, inspections are not just about the day itself. They are about the systems, habits and culture that shape everyday practice. The QCS Operating System is designed to support that reality.

And as the CQC’s framework evolves QCS gives teams the clarity and structure they need.

QCS provides:

  • A complete suite of QCS Policies and Procedures aligned with the Assessment Framework
  • QCS Mock Inspections that help test readiness and demonstrate effective governance
  • Key audits requested by the regulator
  • QCS Feedback Surveys for staff, people who use services and partners, all aligned with the Assessment framework
  • Lyra, our AI technology that gives staff instant, practical guidance based on your own policies

 

Our goal is simple. We help providers feel confident, supported and ready for inspection, even as regulatory activity evolves and increases.

How can I keep up to date and influence any further changes?