The Care Quality Commission has announced a comprehensive improvement plan aimed at overhauling its regulatory approach by the end of 2026, with significant implications for care home providers across England.
The health and social care regulator has acknowledged the need to tackle urgent operational issues that have impacted providers in recent months. Registration backlogs and lengthy application processes have been particular pain points for the sector, prompting CQC to trial a simplified registration form and enhanced online guidance.
The watchdog reports progress on these fronts, with increased staffing levels in registration teams leading to a steady rise in completed applications. The organisation has also restructured into four operational inspectorates under dedicated Chief Inspectors, focusing on specific areas of sector expertise.
CQC says it is on track to complete 9,000 assessments by September 2026, representing a significant increase in inspection activity.
Beyond immediate fixes, the regulator is embarking on a more fundamental transformation of its assessment framework and methodology. This work draws on recommendations from several external reviews, including reports by Dr Penny Dash, Professor Sir Mike Richards, and the Care Provider Alliance, as well as an independent IT review.
The planned changes encompass a complete redesign of the regulatory process, new assessment approaches, improvements to the provider portal, and substantial upgrades to digital systems and data management.
Learning from past experiences, CQC says it will implement changes in a phased manner with regular review points to ensure the reforms don’t compromise inspection capacity.
Timeline and Next Steps
The transformation roadmap extends to the end of 2028, with concentrated activity planned for 2026. Key milestones include:
Spring 2026: Analysis of consultation feedback to develop new assessment frameworks
Summer 2026: Publication of final assessment framework and supporting guidance for providers
Late 2026: Implementation of new assessment approach begins
Ongoing: Continued improvements to registration services and digital infrastructure
Consultation Closes Soon
Care home operators have until 11 December to respond to CQC’s ‘Better regulation, better care’ consultation on the proposed assessment framework. The regulator is running targeted engagement sessions for different care sectors, including a dedicated adult social care workshop on 3 December.
An in-person event for adult social care providers will take place in London on 10 December, while service users can participate in online focus groups on 16 December.
CQC has emphasised that provider feedback will be central to shaping the final framework, urging care home managers and owners to participate in the consultation process.
The changes represent the most significant overhaul of CQC’s regulatory approach in years, with the potential to substantially alter how care homes are assessed and rated in England.
