Following the latest CQC Board meeting on 25th June 2025 which offered a candid update on the regulator’s ongoing transformation efforts, they have published a blog from Chris Day on rebuilding regulation. We have reviewed the board meeting, supporting documents and latest blog to provide you with the key takeaway messages:
Inspection Activity on the Rise
Providers should ensure they are adequately prepared to be audited as CQC inspection activity is on the rise, with the CQC being on track to meet its target of 9,000 assessments by September 2026. This is a significant step forward after a period of delays linked to earlier challenges and is a work towards ensuring an up-to-date view of care quality across sectors.
Stakeholders had raised concerns about backlogs and report publication delays, but the latest figures suggest the CQC is now regaining momentum.
This progress is due in part to strengthened internal oversight and a renewed emphasis on aligning digital development with core business priorities — such as inspection delivery and performance reporting. Temporary workarounds remain in place to support regulatory functions during this rebuild phase, with risk and impact being closely monitored by dedicated oversight groups.
A Delayed Portal – But a Clearer Plan
One of the headline updates from the meeting was confirmation that the long-awaited new digital portal for providers will still not be available until next year. While this may be disappointing for stakeholders, the delay is a result of a deliberate shift in approach following the Independent IT Review earlier this year.
Rather than pushing forward with more interim fixes, the CQC is now focused on rebuilding its core systems with long-term sustainability in mind. The road map advises that digital solutions will be rolled out gradually and with direct input from internal teams and external users — including providers and downstream users of data.
Although we won’t see a fully functioning portal until 2026, the groundwork is being laid now and the CQC advise that this should result in a more robust and usable platform in the long run.
Listening and Co-Designing
One clear shift in the organisation’s approach is the commitment to co-design and open engagement. Feedback from both providers and CQC staff has stressed the need for transparency, stability, and genuine involvement in shaping the new systems. Over the past months, Chris Day, Director of Engagement, met hundreds of providers in Manchester, London, Leicester, and Bristol to co-design the future of regulation, to ensure that the technology and data changes being made are relevant, inclusive, and future-proof.
Key Takeaways:
- Better technology – Accessible, clear systems with live support.
- Clearer frameworks – Fewer, sector-specific quality statements.
- Meaningful judgements – Transparent, evidence-based ratings focused on quality of care.
- Stronger relationships – Continuity and trust with named inspectors.
The direction of travel at CQC is one of cautious optimism. The rebuilding process is now backed by a structured roadmap, co-designed solutions, and better alignment with operational goals — including a welcome uptick in inspection activity. This new approach shows promise, and we will continue to watch closely as the next stages unfold. These changes within the CQC have significant implications for health and social care professionals and staying informed and prepared is crucial for navigating this evolving landscape.
Next Steps
- Autumn 2025: Formal consultation on proposed changes.
- Late 2025–2026: Early testing and phased improvements.
- 2026 onwards: Continuous rollout and refinement.
How Care 4 Quality Can Help:
At Care 4 Quality, we understand the challenges of maintaining compliance and delivering exceptional care in a dynamic regulatory environment.
We offer a range of services designed to support your organisation in meeting CQC expectations and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. From policies to mock inspections and compliance audits, to staff training and mentorship programs, we can help you identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to address them before CQC inspections.
