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Rebuilding regulation | Key updates from the CQC’s board meeting and Director’s blog
Written on 26 August 2025
The latest CQC board meeting on 25 June 2025 offered a candid update on the regulator’s ongoing transformation efforts. Following this, on 18 August, it published a blog on ‘Rebuilding regulation: what we’ve heard – and where we go next’, authored by Director of Engagement, Chris Day.
Our team has reviewed both, alongside supporting documents – here are the highlights for health and social care providers.
Inspection activity on the rise
Providers should ensure they are prepared to be audited as inspection activity is on the rise – with the CQC on track to meet its target of 9,000 assessments by September 2026.
Following a period of delays linked to earlier challenges, this signals a significant step toward maintaining 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.
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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 roadmap 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 advises that this should result in a more robust and usable platform in the long run.
Listening and co-designing
One clear shift in the regulator’s approach is the commitment to co-design and open engagement. Feedback from both providers and CQC staff has emphasised the need for transparency, stability, and genuine involvement in shaping the new systems.
Over the past months, Chris Day, Director of Engagement, met with 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
In short, the CQC’s latest updates confirm it is focused on the following:
- 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.
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