CQC’s end of term summer report

Earlier this month, CQC published an update detailing the steps it is taking to improve and return to ‘delivering good’ regulation. 

In this blog, we set out where the CQC is across its assessment framework and targets, sector leadership teams and technology.

Increased assessment targets

CQC has set targets for assessments recognising that it needs to deliver more assessments. It is part of a broader effort to provide a more up-to-date and comprehensive view of care quality across the sector. 

According CQC’s June Board papers, there has been an overall increase in the volume of assessments completed: in May 2025 CQC completed 465 assessments compared to 319 in December 2024.

Between April 2025 and September 2026, the regulator aims to complete at least 9,000 assessments across all provider types.

In figures, this means:

• 5,013 in adult social care
• 887 in secondary care
• 1,194 in primary and community care
• 1,500 in oral health and dental care 
• 726 in mental health

CQC said that ‘going forward, we will hold ourselves accountable by regularly sharing how we are performing against these targets’.

Specialist leaders appointed 

CQC has now appointed four chief inspectors who have the expertise in place to understand the quality of care being delivered across all services. This supports a return to specialist operations teams for more expert-led inspections.

• Primary and community services: Prof Bola Owolabi
• Hospitals: Dr Toli Onon
• Mental health: Dr Arun Chopra
• Adult social care and integrated care: Chris Badger 

Ensuring assessment approach is fit for purpose

Following the recommendations in the review by Professor Sir Mike Richards and Dr Penny Dash and the findings of the Care Provider Alliance, CQC has been engaging with its staff, providers, the public and stakeholders to develop changes to the assessment framework and define what ‘good’ looks like.

 CQC are focusing on four areas:

• the content of the assessment framework
• how CQC applies its assessment framework
• how CQC makes and maintains judgements
• rating characteristics

These include some key outcomes:

• A revised and redefined list of Quality Statements
• Frameworks that apply to different sectors (so no more ‘Single’ Assessment Framework)
• A new proposed approach to making and maintaining judgements
• A comprehensive list of ratings characteristics matched to each framework 

There are multiple references to ‘each’ framework suggesting the new version will not be a ‘Single’ Assessment Framework. 

These four outcomes have previously been trailed in earlier communications from CQC; however, CQC’s July update provides a clearer indication that the review will likely result in further changes for providers. 

CQC say that in Autumn 2025, it will start a formal consultation on its proposed approach to assessments – and from 2026 and beyond, providers can expect the roll out of the new assessment frameworks.

Technology delays

CQC recognise that the technology needs to be better, with ongoing issues with the regulatory platform and the provider portal. Work is currently underway to implement the 23 recommendations outlined in the independent review of CQC’s technology published earlier this year.

Other areas of improvement

• Of the 500 ‘stuck assessments’ reported in January 14 remained as at 29 June 2025.
• From April to 29 June 2025, CQC completed 1,420 assessments. This exceeded set monthly targets.
• Targeted work is underway to improve processes for registration of homecare applications. This work aims to allow registration teams to focus their time on successfully completing applications and reducing backlogs

We will keep readers updated.