ICYMI: Building trust together with CQC

In a recent blog post, Chris Day, Director of Engagement at the Care Quality Commission (CQC) reports on recent ‘Rebuilding regulation’ roadshows held in Manchester and London earlier this year. The events were part of a wider effort to co‑design a stronger, fairer CQC by bringing regulators, providers, patients and the public into closer conversation.

Context and challenges

• Following critical reviews (notably Dr Penny Dash’s), trust in the CQC has been dented. They aim to fix deep‑seated issues such as excessive delays in inspections, inconsistent assessment quality, limited transparency and a deficient technology platform
• A new regulatory vision (‘The CQC Way’) is being shaped to counter past failings. This includes a clearer charter of purpose, modernised behaviour standards for inspectors and providers, and strategies for continuous improvement

What did the roadshows achieve?

• They provided an opportunity for attendees to meet with local CQC staff and engage in hands‑on activities shaping reform.
• Discussions involved defining what ‘good’ looks like in ratings, building a provider‑friendly regulatory handbook, and exploring technological upgrades: from factual‑accuracy checks to the provider portal

Immediate and long‑term actions

• Short‑term improvements: boosting assessment frequency, clearing backlogs, improving response to concerns, and publishing pending reports
• Structural overhaul: replacing specialist silos with a single Operations group under four regional networks, led by directors to enhance consistency across sectors
• Co‑design principles: actively involving providers, the public and stakeholders in feedback loops: online platforms, advisory groups, and face‑to‑face events

Next steps

• Refinement of proposals from recent roadshows
• Follow‑up pilots: defining what a “good” rating means, trialling new approaches, and rolling out tech and handbook improvements.
• Ongoing invitations for engagement and feedback via CQC’s digital platforms, bulletins and roadshow events.

This collaborative phased approach marks a deliberate shift from reactive inspection to inclusive, transparent regulation, designed to inspire confidence and deliver a fairer, more efficient system for everyone.

Read the whole blog post here.