The Care Social Podcast Ep18: How to Challenge a CQC Inspection…

The Care Social Podcast Ep18: How to Challenge a CQC Inspection with Laura Shelton, HCR Law

August 5, 2025

Guest: Laura Shelton, Partner, HCR Law
Host: Barry Price, Content Operations and Delivery Manager, QCS


In this helpful and timely episode of The Care Social, Barry talks to Laura Shelton, Partner at HCR Law, about what to do if you’re not happy with your CQC inspection, report, or rating.

Laura has supported social care providers for over a decade. She shares practical advice on how to raise concerns, respond to inspection reports, and what options are available, from correcting factual errors to taking formal legal steps.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • When and how to challenge a CQC inspection or outcome

  • The factual accuracy process and why it matters

  • What a rating review really involves (and how often they succeed)

  • Legal routes like judicial review and when they’re worth considering

  • Common mistakes providers make when challenging outcomes

  • How to prepare your staff and service for inspections

You’ll also hear tips on dealing with inspectors, managing staff confidence, and how small actions can make a big difference when it comes to inspection outcomes.

Further information :

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