In its recent update, the Care Quality Commission confirms that local government reorganisation will not lead to a pause in regulatory oversight. Inspections and assessments will continue with CQC adopting a risk-based, proportionate and flexible approach that reflects local transition pressures.
The update comes at a time of significant change across the health and social care sector, including reforms to children’s social care, the reorganisation of Integrated Care Boards and the abolition of NHS England.
Against this backdrop, CQC outlines the principles that will shape its regulatory approach during local government reorganisation, with a focus on consistency, transparency and proportionality.
Specifically, CQC say it will:
- Adopt a risk-based, proportionate and flexible approach, with a focus on how services identify and respond to risks to vulnerable people
- Determine inspection timings based on a range of factors, including previous inspection or assessment findings, available data and intelligence and the period since the last assessment. It will also consider how local areas are meeting their legal duties during the period of change, with CQC adjusting timings where reorganisation increases risk.
- Avoid carrying out full adult social care assurance assessments before vesting day or within the following six months after, relying instead on focused assessments and assurance meetings where appropriate.
- Continue to expect local authorities to share self-evaluations and participate in regular assurance and engagement meetings to help identify and manage risks, including compliance with the Care Act 2014 and safeguarding duties.
CQC will keep their approach under review as the impact of the reforms become clearer.
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