CQC 2026–2028 Reforms: What Every Care Provider Needs to Know

by Rachel Bryan | 15 Dec, 2025

The Care Quality Commission is introducing major changes to tackle current pressures and reshape regulation over the next few years, including immediate fixes, medium-term improvements, and a full redesign of the regulatory process from 2026 to 2028.

For care providers, the message is simple: regulation is evolving, and knowing where your service stands is essential to stay compliant and inspection-ready.

These changes are strongly influenced by the Review into the Operational Effectiveness of the Care Quality Commission, led by Dr Penny Dash. The report highlighted delays in assessments, inconsistent decisions, and variation in inspector expertise, all affecting provider confidence. Alongside this, CQC has acted on extensive provider feedback, calling for clearer guidance, proportionate assessments, better communication, and smarter use of digital tools. These insights are driving reforms like sector-focused inspectorates, updated assessment frameworks, and improved digital systems, moving towards a more transparent and evidence-led regulatory approach.

Tackling Urgent Issues
Short-term actions to stabilise the system include:

• Simplifying registration with a clearer online process and shorter forms.
• Reducing the backlog of registration applications.
• Moving to four sector-focused inspectorates to strengthen expertise.
• Increasing assessments, on track for 9,000 by September 2026.
• Recruiting more registration inspectors with steady monthly progress.

Longer-Term Improvements
CQC is also making wider improvements to support providers:

• Revised Quality Statements (expected approx. 22).
• Responding to external reviews including Dash, Richards, CPA, and IT.
• Reviewing assessment frameworks and methodology.
• Strengthening guidance to help providers meet expectations.
• Upgrading digital systems, platforms, and data storage.
• Phased changes with regular review points to minimise disruption.

The Plan: 2026–2028
Looking ahead, the focus will be on:

• Redesigning the regulatory process.
• Testing new technology and assessment models.
• Enhancing the online provider portal.
• Continuing improvements to registration services.

Assessment Framework Overhaul
Sector-specific engagement to define what ‘good’ looks like.

• Spring 2026: Consultation feedback reviewed.
• Piloting with providers and staff.
• Summer 2026: Final frameworks published with detailed guidance.
• Implementation from late 2026.

Digital & Technology Advancements
Upgrading the CQC data platform.

• Exploring new technologies to support assessments.
• Improving the provider portal for usability and access.

What This Means for Providers
The direction is clear: now is the time to assess your compliance, identify gaps, and prepare for future inspections. Waiting until changes are implemented could leave you playing catch-up.

Read the full breakdown from the Care Quality Commission. 

To support providers, we’re offering 20% off our Care Quality Audits and Mock CQC Inspections. Our services give you a clear picture of your compliance, practical actions to address gaps, and confidence to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape. Acting now means you’ll be ready for the changes ahead, and ahead of the curve.
Click here to read the details of the 20% Discount Promotion. 

Start 2026 with 20% Discount on Care Quality Audits

by Rachel Bryan | 14 Dec, 2025

For 2026, we’re offering 20% off Care Quality Audits (Jan – March) to help care providers understand exactly where they stand with quality and compliance.

As we approach a new year, many care providers are already thinking ahead. The strongest start to 2026 won’t come from hoping for the best; it comes from having a clear picture, a solid understanding, and a confident plan to move forward.

The CQC has set out clear plans for significant change, with both immediate and longer-term reforms to how services are registered, assessed and regulated. These include increased assessment activity, revised Quality Statements, sector-focused inspectorates, and major upgrades to digital systems and the provider portal, alongside a full redesign of the regulatory process between 2026 and 2028. With consultation, testing and phased implementation beginning in 2026, providers can expect clearer expectations but also closer scrutiny.

Now is the time to prepare by understanding exactly where your service currently stands, identifying any gaps against regulatory expectations, and putting clear actions in place to remain compliant and inspection-ready as these changes come into effect.

To support providers in strengthening compliance, improving outcomes, and entering 2026 fully prepared, we’re pleased to offer an exclusive 20% discount on Care Quality Audits. That is over £400.00 saving.

This limited-time offer applies to any audit booked by January 31, 2026, with delivery available anytime up to March 31, 2026.

Why Start the Year with a Care Quality Audit?
With ongoing changes across the sector and the continued challenges of delivering high-quality care, gaining clarity early in the year is essential. A Care Quality Audit gives you:

• A detailed understanding of where you stand with quality and compliance
• A clear and actionable improvement plan
• Increased team confidence going into 2026
• Stronger foundations for better outcomes for the individuals you support
• Reassurance and readiness for future CQC inspections

Starting the year with this level of insight ensures you know exactly where your service excels—and where focused improvements will make the biggest impact.

What’s Included in Your Audit?
Our audits offer a thorough and practical review of your service. Each one includes:

✔ Two days onsite with one of our experienced Care Quality Consultants
We observe your service in practice, speak with your team, review documentation, and assess regulatory alignment.

✔ One full day for report writing
You’ll receive a detailed, easy-to-follow report with clear findings and a comprehensive action plan.

✔ A complete review of systems, processes and regulatory compliance
This ensures your governance, documentation, care planning and operational systems are aligned with current expectations.

✔ An inspection-style experience in a supportive and developmental way
Your team can experience the feel of a real CQC process, helping them build confidence and identify learning opportunities in a safe, constructive environment.

This offer applies to our minimum 3-day consultancy package (2 days onsite + 1 day report writing).

Who Is This Offer Ideal For?

This discounted audit is particularly valuable for:

• Providers preparing for an upcoming CQC inspection
• Services wanting reassurance before expanding or opening new locations
• Leadership teams planning their 2026 improvement strategy
• Providers looking to benchmark quality across multiple locations
• Services wanting to boost staff confidence and readiness

If you want to go into 2026 with certainty, focus and a clear improvement roadmap, this is the ideal place to start.

Limited-Time Offer: Book Now

To secure your 20% discounted audit, simply book by 31 January 2026.
Audits can be delivered any time up to 31 March 2026, but availability is limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
To Book:
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Call: 01723 256120
Speak to Rachel or Tracy to discuss your audit in more detail.

Tips from Care Quality Consultants: 5 Steps to Strengthen CQC Compliance and Governance this week

by Rachel Bryan | 1 Dec, 2025

Mondays bring a fresh start and for many care leaders, a new week can also bring a renewed awareness of compliance tasks that can feel overwhelming, delayed, or uncertain. If you’ve found yourself worrying about what may have been missed, falling behind on governance tasks, or feeling unsure about the evidence the CQC will expect at your next inspection, you’re not alone.

Good governance doesn’t rely on giant leaps. It is built through consistent, manageable actions that strengthen oversight, reduce risks, and build a clear evidence trail of safe, effective, well-led care.

Here are five steps you can take this week to feel more in control and more confident in your compliance position.

1. Review one key policy and make sure your team can actually find it

Choose a high-impact policy such as safeguarding, medicines, or incident reporting and make sure it reflects current practice. But equally important:
Check that your team knows where policies are stored and how to access them.

A common theme in audits and CQC inspections is staff saying:
“We don’t have a policy for that,” or “I’ve never seen that policy.”
Often, the policy exists, but staff simply don’t know where to look.

Clear policy access supports consistent, confident decision-making and forms a foundational part of your evidence for Well-Led.

2. Strengthen Incident Reporting, Review, And Follow-Up

Take time this week to review all recent incidents and accidents. Make sure they:

• Are fully logged
• Have been seen and reviewed by management
• Include clear, documented actions
• Have led to updates in care plans and risk assessments
• Follow-up actions are clearly documented

If you use digital care planning, explore whether your system can flag new incidents to managers. This improves oversight and ensures nothing is missed a critical evidence point for the CQC under Safe and Well-Led.

3. Prioritise Safeguarding Oversight and Statutory Notifications

Safeguarding concerns must always have a statutory notification submitted to the CQC in line with guidance, and this is an area where providers often fall behind.

Additionally, ensure that:

• Actions taken to mitigate risk are clearly documented
• Improvements made as a result of safeguarding concerns are visible in care plans and risk assessments
• Follow-up actions are captured consistently

Robust safeguarding documentation is essential evidence of safe, person-centred care.

4. Use Supervisions, Handovers, and Team Talks for Reflective Practice

Good governance doesn’t just live in paperwork, it lives in team conversations.

Use supervisions, handovers, and team discussions as opportunities to:

• Revisit a specific Key Question or Quality Statement
• Reflect on the evidence you already hold
• Identify gaps or examples of strong practice
• Encourage staff to understand why evidence matters and promote proactive identification and collation of evidence

The CQC looks for continuous learning, leadership visibility, and a culture of reflection. These discussions strengthen all three.

5. Strengthen Risk Management and Ensure Assessments Are Robust and Up to Date

Spend time this week reviewing a sample of risk assessments. Check that they:

• Fully capture risks associated with each individual
• Include clear mitigation strategies
• Consider historical risks that still influence current needs
• Cover medication-related risks with signs, symptoms, and monitoring requirements (e.g., hypo/hyperglycaemia, eye and foot checks)
• Include robust environmental risk assessments and evidence of action taken

Effective risk management is one of the strongest forms of evidence the CQC reviews when assessing safety and leadership.

Small steps. Big impact. Stronger evidence.

Empowering your team through mentoring on CQC regulations and expectations ensures that multiple people are actively identifying, recording, and collating strong evidence of good governance. When staff understand what to look for and why it matters, they can consistently capture examples of best practice across the service.

Having this evidence methodically stored and easily accessible not only strengthens your overall compliance position but also reduces the risk of last-minute stress or gaps when the CQC arrives to assess and inspect the service.

Every action you take this week builds a clearer picture of the quality, safety, and governance within your service. Strengthening your evidence base now supports better outcomes for individuals and greater confidence during your next CQC inspection. Continuous improvement comes from consistent steps taken each day.

• CQC guidance: https://www.cqc.org.uk/guidance-providers

Compliance Doesn’t Take a Break – Staying on Track Over the Festive Period

by Rachel Bryan | 27 Nov, 2025

As the festive season approaches, care settings across the country are filled with excitement, decorations, and the anticipation of time spent together celebrating. It’s a wonderful opportunity to bring joy to the people we support and to recognise the hard work of care teams throughout the year.

However, December can also bring added pressures with staff taking annual leave, increased agency use, and more activities taking place than usual. These factors can unintentionally lead to gaps in governance and oversight. For care providers, maintaining compliance during this busy time isn’t about dampening the festive spirit, but about keeping systems strong so that individuals continue to receive safe, effective, and person-centred care.

At The CIA Group, we understand that governance can feel like an added layer during an already hectic month but it’s also the framework that keeps everything running smoothly and ensures the season remains enjoyable for everyone.

Also, keeping governance on track throughout December will ensure your care service has the best start to the new year.

Here are some of our top tips to stay ahead throughout the Christmas festivities…

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Audit Insight: Safeguarding and Regulation 13 – Protecting People from Abuse and Improper Treatment

by Rachel Bryan | 3 Nov, 2025

We’ve reviewed a high number of recent audits, and one of the most common themes identified relates to safeguarding governance, particularly around structure, reporting, and oversight.

Safeguarding is at the heart of high-quality care and a key focus of Regulation 13 Ensuring That Individuals Are Protected from Abuse, Improper Treatment. To demonstrate compliance, providers must evidence robust systems, consistent monitoring, and a culture where concerns are raised and addressed promptly.

We often hear from Registered Managers that Support Workers aren’t always sure what constitutes a safeguarding concern, or whether something is too small to report.

The common message from managers is clear: they would always rather know. This enables them to make an informed decision about whether an incident is a safeguarding issue or something that can be addressed in the early stages preventing it from escalating into a more serious concern later on.

Creating an open culture where staff feel confident to report anything that doesn’t seem right is a vital part of effective safeguarding. A great way to build this confidence and understanding is to revisit safeguarding regularly during handovers.

Using real or hypothetical scenarios, managers can ask staff whether they would report the issue or feel it doesn’t warrant escalation. These discussions not only keep safeguarding fresh in everyone’s minds but also help managers identify who may need further training or support to strengthen their understanding.

Over time, this approach encourages reflective practice and promotes a team-wide awareness of safeguarding responsibilities.

Key areas we support include:

• Audits at planned intervals: Safeguarding audits are scheduled regularly, with clear follow-up on actions to ensure sustained improvement.
• Training and awareness: All staff receive up-to-date safeguarding training relevant to their role, supporting confidence in recognising and reporting concerns.
• Clear reporting structures: Everyone in the organisation understands how to report and escalate concerns, creating a transparent and accountable culture.
• Learning from incidents: Trends from incidents, complaints, and feedback are analysed and shared to identify patterns, reduce risk, and promote continual learning.

By embedding these principles, providers can demonstrate proactive governance and evidence that safeguarding is well led, well understood, and consistently applied across the service.

At The CIA Group, our consultants help care providers review systems, identify regulatory gaps, and strengthen safeguarding arrangements in line with CQC expectations and also lead to better outcomes for individuals.

If safeguarding is an area you’d like to strengthen, we’d be happy to talk it through. Reach out to The CIA Group for a friendly chat about how we can support you and your team to stay confident and compliant. Email: [email protected] Call: 01723 256120

Benchmarking Audits: Giving Registered Managers a Fair Starting Point

by Rachel Bryan | 15 Sep, 2025

When you take over the management of a care service, you inherit more than a job title.

Whether you are stepping into a new position with a different employer or supporting an underperforming service within your existing organisation, you inherit its team, systems, culture, and often, its challenges.

Sometimes, long-standing issues aren’t immediately visible. Without a clear understanding of the service’s current care quality, compliance, and governance position, it can be difficult to know where to focus first.

If you have a strong track record in management, it’s important to protect your reputation by ensuring that any historic failings are not mistaken as your own.

Gaining Clarity During the Busy Early Weeks

Starting a new management role is an incredibly busy time, with countless introductions, processes to learn, and responsibilities to take on. In these early weeks, it can be difficult to find the time to review every detail of a service thoroughly. A Benchmarking Care Quality Audit is an efficient way to uncover issues quickly and objectively, reducing the risk of a serious incident occurring before a failing has come to light.

That’s why a Benchmarking Care Quality Audit can be such a powerful tool for incoming registered managers. It provides a clear starting point, showing exactly where the service stands in terms of care quality, compliance, and governance, including:

• A clear baseline of the current compliance status
• An action plan with improvements and recommendations
• Transparency on legacy issues that need addressing

It’s not about pointing fingers; it’s about creating a fair starting point. One that allows registered managers and care leaders to evidence the journey and the positive changes they have made since stepping into the role.

Legacy Issues: Making the Invisible Visible

One of the biggest challenges for incoming managers is the unknown. You may step into a service with a seemingly ‘Good’ CQC rating (albeit from a few years ago), only to discover systems aren’t being applied consistently in practice. Or you might find a service excelling in some areas while struggling in others.

A Benchmarking Care Quality Audit shines a light on these legacy issues, making them visible from the outset. This transparency is crucial not only for planning improvements but also for protecting managers from being held responsible for problems they did not create.

Setting the Standard and Inspiring Confidence

Stepping into a service is an opportunity to set the tone for the team and instill confidence from day one. By clearly demonstrating that you are committed to positive change, you show that shortfalls in care provision will not go unnoticed and that every team member is expected to operate at their best.

This means implementing their existing training effectively, embracing opportunities to upskill where needed, and consistently delivering the highest standard of care. When managers lead with clarity, accountability, and a focus on improvement, it encourages the whole team to rise to the occasion, fostering a culture where individuals feel supported, motivated, and confident in providing outstanding care.

Documenting the Journey of Change

CQC inspections are increasingly evidence-driven. Inspectors want to see not only that improvements have been made but also how they were achieved and what impact they’ve had on the people receiving care.

A Benchmarking Care Quality Audit provides a starting line. By comparing the initial audit report with future reviews and outcomes, registered managers can clearly demonstrate:

• Where the service started
• The actions taken to address gaps
• The improvements achieved over time

This creates a powerful narrative of change, one that evidences leadership, governance, and impact on quality of care.

Confidence for Managers and Stakeholders

Beyond compliance, a Benchmarking Care Quality Audit supports confidence across the board:

• For managers: clarity on priorities and reassurance that historic issues are documented
• For providers and boards: assurance that progress is being tracked and monitored
• For inspectors: evidence that the service is on a clear improvement journey
• For individuals in care: confidence that their service is being led with transparency and focus on quality outcomes

How The CIA Group Supports Registered Managers

At The CIA Group, we specialise in helping care providers and registered managers establish a strong foundation for improvement. Our Benchmarking Care Quality Audits are carried out by sector specialists, including ex-CQC inspectors and experienced governance specialists, who know the challenges of compliance first-hand.

We don’t just hand over a report, we provide:

• A detailed audit mapped against the CQC framework
• A practical, prioritised action plan
• Ongoing support and guidance to help managers implement changes
• Regular follow-ups to track progress and maintain momentum

Our approach is about partnership. We work alongside managers to ensure they not only meet regulatory requirements but also create sustainable systems that support quality care in the long term.

Final Thoughts

Taking on the management of a service can feel like stepping into uncharted territory. But with the right tools, managers can quickly move from uncertainty to clarity, and from reactive firefighting to proactive improvement.

A Benchmarking Care Quality Audit offers more than compliance it provides a fair starting point, a record of inherited challenges, and a clear roadmap for change.

For registered managers, it’s not just about knowing where you are it’s about having the confidence to show where you’re going.

If you’re taking on the management of a service, or supporting an underperforming service, now is the time to establish your benchmark. Contact The CIA Group today to find out how we can help.