The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is evolving — and 2025 is set to bring some important updates that care providers need to understand.

 

In a recent ‘Wednesday Webinar’ live session, our founder, Louie Werth, talked through the biggest updates coming to CQC inspections, reports, and relationships with providers. Here’s a summary of the key points.

A Return to Named Inspectors

One of the biggest frustrations under the new CQC framework has been the loss of a personal relationship with an inspector. Many providers were left without a clear point of contact.

CQC has now confirmed they are piloting a new relationship management process that will reintroduce named inspectors — ensuring services have a consistent, geographically relevant contact who understands their sector. This change is intended to rebuild trust, streamline communication, and improve the inspection experience.

Shorter, Faster Reports

Recent CQC reports have shifted to a new style:

• Reports are now much shorter, with around one paragraph per quality statement.
• Each paragraph typically includes a brief summary and a real-world example from service users, families, or staff.

Why the change?

The aim is simple — to speed up inspections and report publication.
CQC recognises that last year’s long, detailed reports were taking too long (sometimes up to 9 months to be published). The new approach focuses on providing clear, concise information that’s easier for the public to understand — while allowing CQC to inspect more services more frequently.

Sector-Specific Guidance Is Coming

CQC has committed to producing a sector-specific guidance handbook soon. This will give providers clearer expectations for each quality statement, supporting better preparation for inspections.

Providers are encouraged to keep an eye out for updates — and to make use of existing draft resources like the Key Characteristics document, which gives examples of what “Outstanding”, “Good”, “Requires Improvement”, and “Inadequate” look like across the framework.

New Assessment Models Being Considered

CQC is actively exploring whether inspections need to assess every quality statement within a key question — or if they can base ratings on a smaller number of statements.

For example, instead of assessing all eight statements under “Safe,” they may only need to review four or five to confidently assign a rating. This model would make inspections less intensive for providers and faster to complete.

Your Feedback Matters

CQC is currently seeking feedback from providers on how frequently inspections should take place. You can find a survey on the CQC website asking how often services like yours should be assessed.

Louie encouraged all providers to share their views, highlighting the opportunity to influence the future of inspections and ensure expectations are realistic and sector-appropriate.

A Shoutout to Providers Unite

Finally, Louie shared information about Providers Unite, a grassroots movement advocating for care providers across the UK.
This coalition is actively challenging rising costs (like the proposed National Insurance increases) and pushing for a stronger voice for care providers at government level.

Learn more or get involved at providersunite.co.uk.

In Summary

There’s a clear shift happening at CQC:

• Faster, more efficient inspections
• Stronger provider relationships
• Clearer, sector-specific guidance

At Care Research, we’ll continue to monitor these changes closely — and we’re here to help you prepare, adapt, and succeed under the new framework.

Need help getting CQC-ready?
👉 Book a free Care Surveys demo today and find out how we can support your journey.