Summer update: CQC on its new assessment framework and provider portal

Yesterday (31 July 2023) the CQC published an update on how and when they will be introducing their new provider portal and regulatory approach.

New provider portal

The portal plays a central part in how the CQC will collect data to support its new approach to regulation, helping the regulator to assess in a ‘smarter, more consistent way’.

From August, CQC will invite a group of providers to log onto the new portal and explore its functionality as part of a new range of digital services that providers will use to interact with the regulator.

In September CQC will roll-out the new portal to all providers in phases. Each provider will be invited onto the portal with their login details and guidance on how to use it.

Single Assessment Framework

From November CQC will start to use its new inspection framework. This will be rolled our regionally starting with registered providers in the South of England covering the following counties:

• Berkshire
• Buckinghamshire
• Cornwall
• Devon
• Dorset
• Gloucestershire
• Hampshire
• Kent
• Oxfordshire
• Somerset
• Surrey
• Sussex
• Wiltshire

CQC’s decision to assess providers using SAF will be based on the ‘level of risk’ and so not all providers will have an immediate assessment.

In other counties, CQC will continue to use their current assessment framework until the roll-out of the new framework is complete.

Updated guidance

CQC has updated its guidance on the assessment framework with a reminder that it will let providers know when this new assessment framework will apply to them. Until such time, providers will be monitored, assessed and rated under the current system.

Supporting you

If you are a care provider and would like support with getting ready for the new assessment framework do get in touch - we've an expert and friendly team ready to help.