CQC Improvement Updates: Key Changes for Social Care Providers
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is actively implementing significant improvements to strengthen its regulatory oversight of health and adult social care services in England. These changes aim to support more effective, transparent and responsive relationships between the regulator, service providers, people who receive care and their families.
Progress in 2025: Addressing Backlogs and Improving Assessments
Throughout 2025, the CQC prioritised resolving long-standing backlogs in assessments and registration activity. Key progress includes:
- Assessment backlogs: Reduced from nearly 500 outstanding assessments to just a small number
- Publication of assessments: Thousands of assessments published, exceeding internal targets
- Registration efficiency: Streamlined registration processes, supported by increased recruitment of inspectors and pilot programmes to simplify applications, particularly for homecare providers
Looking Ahead: Redesigning Regulation for 2026 and Beyond
Building on external reviews and feedback from stakeholders, the CQC has set out a phased improvement plan for 2026 and beyond. Key priorities include:
- Redesigning the regulatory framework to make it clearer, simpler and more effective
- Modernising assessment approaches through piloting new methodologies and digital tools
- Enhancing the provider experience by improving the online portal and registration services
- Strengthening stakeholder engagement through continued consultation and co-design with providers and the public
The CQC has emphasised its commitment to collaborative delivery, with ongoing opportunities for providers and people who use services to shape improvements through consultations, workshops and engagement activity.
These changes reflect the CQC’s commitment to rebuilding confidence in regulation and supporting social care services to deliver high-quality, safe and compassionate care to those who rely on them.