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CQC under scrutiny | Inspection gaps highlight need for compliance readiness
Written on 12 November 2025
A recent BBC article highlighted that the Care Quality Commission (CQC) failed to routinely inspect a service previously rated poorly, raising concerns about regulatory oversight.
This issue reflects findings from the Dr Penny Dash and Sir Mike Richards reports, which identified gaps in inspection volumes and stressed the importance of consistent oversight to protect patient safety and service quality.
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CQC response – and ramifications for care providers
The CQC has responded with updates and targets to address these concerns:
- Rebuilding good regulation: The CQC aims to strengthen inspection coverage, ensuring services, especially those rated poorly, are regularly monitored. Its update, How We are Working to Rebuild Good Regulation, outlines plans to improve operational processes, leadership expertise, and sector-specific assessments to enhance regulatory effectiveness.
- Delivering more assessments: As of August 2025, CQC had completed 2,108 assessments and is on track to meet a target of 9,000 reports between April 2025 and September 2026. It continues to work in partnership with providers and stakeholders to ensure its assessment framework is fit for purpose and sector-specific. More details can be found in its August 2025 update.
For care providers, this underscores the critical importance of being inspection-ready at all times.
How to prepare for the new CQC inspection
The CQC’s new assessment framework represents a fundamental shift in how quality is evaluated. Evidence is now gathered continuously, feedback plays a central role, and ratings can be influenced at any time – not just during inspection.
Our Short Guide to Mastering the New CQC Inspection sets out:
- What good looks like under the new framework
- The five most common pitfalls impacting ratings
- Key focus areas to strengthen assurance and outcomes
How Care 4 Quality from WorkNest can help
With CQC inspection targets now clearly stated, providers must prioritise readiness to withstand scrutiny and maintain excellent service standards.
Care 4 Quality from WorkNest can guide you every step of the way. We support providers by offering tailored compliance solutions, including:
- CQC preparation and mock inspections to identify potential gaps before the regulator arrives.
- Policy and procedure reviews to ensure alignment with regulatory standards.
- Staff training and support to improve readiness and confidence across the team.
- Ongoing compliance monitoring to maintain high standards between inspections.
Get in touch with our team on 0345 226 8393 or request your free consultation using the button below.
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