CQC Inspection Changes in 2026: What Care Providers Need to Know
The Care Quality Commission is implementing significant changes to its inspection methodology in 2026. These changes will affect how care services are assessed and rated. Here's what you need to know and how to prepare.
What's Changing?
1. Single Assessment Framework
CQC is rolling out a new Single Assessment Framework that will:
- Standardize assessments across all service types
- Focus on outcomes for people using services
- Emphasize continuous monitoring rather than periodic inspections
- Use more data to target inspections
2. Quality Statements
The traditional five key questions remain, but CQC is introducing detailed Quality Statements that define what good looks like in each area. These statements will:
- Provide clearer expectations for providers
- Enable more consistent assessments
- Support self-assessment and improvement planning
- Guide evidence gathering for inspections
3. Evidence Categories
CQC will assess evidence in four categories:
- People's experiences (what people tell us)
- Feedback from staff and leaders (what staff tell us)
- Feedback from partners (what partners tell us)
- Processes (what we observe and review)
4. Digital-First Approach
CQC is moving toward more digital interaction:
- Online Provider Information Collection (PIC) replacing paper forms
- Digital evidence submission during inspections
- Real-time data sharing between CQC and providers
- Virtual inspection elements where appropriate
Impact on Care Providers
More Frequent Engagement
Instead of waiting for periodic inspections, providers will:
- Submit regular data to CQC
- Respond to targeted information requests
- Engage in continuous dialogue with CQC
- Participate in thematic reviews and surveys
Greater Emphasis on Outcomes
CQC will focus more on:
- Measurable outcomes for people using services
- Quality of life indicators
- Person-centered metrics
- Long-term impact of care
Enhanced Scrutiny of Leadership
The Well-led domain will have increased importance:
- Governance systems will be examined in detail
- Learning culture will be assessed
- Innovation and improvement will be recognized
- Partnership working will be evaluated
How to Prepare
1. Understand the Quality Statements
- Review the new Quality Statements for your service type
- Map your current practices against the statements
- Identify gaps and develop action plans
- Gather evidence that demonstrates compliance
2. Strengthen Your Data Systems
- Implement robust data collection systems
- Monitor key performance indicators regularly
- Analyze trends and patterns
- Use data to drive improvement
3. Focus on Outcomes
- Define meaningful outcomes for your service users
- Measure outcomes systematically
- Demonstrate positive impact
- Involve people in outcome measurement
4. Enhance Digital Capabilities
- Invest in digital record systems
- Train staff in digital tools
- Ensure systems are CQC-compatible
- Maintain data security and GDPR compliance
5. Build a Learning Culture
- Encourage innovation and improvement
- Share learning from incidents and feedback
- Celebrate successes and good practice
- Engage staff in quality improvement
6. Strengthen Partnerships
- Develop relationships with local health and social care partners
- Collaborate on integrated care initiatives
- Share information appropriately
- Demonstrate partnership impact
Timeline for Implementation
- January 2026: New framework launched for adult social care
- April 2026: Extended to primary care and community services
- September 2026: Full rollout across all service types
- 2027 onwards: Continuous refinement based on feedback
Common Questions
Will ratings change?
The four-point rating scale (Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement, Inadequate) will remain, but the criteria for each rating will be more clearly defined through the Quality Statements.
How often will inspections occur?
Inspection frequency will be more risk-based. Services with Good or Outstanding ratings and positive ongoing monitoring may have less frequent comprehensive inspections, while those with concerns will receive more attention.
What about unannounced inspections?
Unannounced inspections will continue, but CQC may give more notice for certain types of assessment, particularly where they need providers to prepare specific evidence.
How will this affect new registrations?
New providers will need to demonstrate understanding of the Quality Statements and have systems in place to monitor and evidence compliance from day one.
Our Support
We're helping care providers prepare for these changes through:
- Training on the new framework and Quality Statements
- Gap analysis against new requirements
- System development for data collection and monitoring
- Mock assessments using the new methodology
- Ongoing support as the framework evolves
Conclusion
While change can be challenging, the new CQC framework offers opportunities for providers who are committed to quality and continuous improvement. By understanding the changes and preparing proactively, you can position your service for success under the new system.
Stay ahead of the curve—contact us [blocked] to discuss how we can support your preparation for the new CQC framework.
Information based on CQC consultation documents and guidance published as of January 2026. Details may be subject to change.