Currently, the CQC is underway with its target to conduct 9,000 inspections by September. This came due to a backlog of inspections that had built up over the years, with some services still years without a formal CQC assessment. However, March represented a month of change for CQC assessment, in which GPs will need to adapt.
The CQC’s wider goals for 2026 revolve around rebuilding its common practices while inspiring confidence through accelerated, more consistent assessment activities.
This began with plans announced to move away from the controversial Single Assessment Framework (SAF). Meaning that proposed regulation frameworks will be more sector-specific. Meanwhile, providers have been informed of the CQC’s “Returning to Good and Outstanding” project, which will place focus on lower-risk services that have not been inspected for some time. With a focus on NHS GPs who last had their inspection report published between 2017 and 2022.
This project clearly aligns with the CQC’s plans to accelerate assessment activity as they aim to meet the 9,000 threshold. However, the news of increased regulatory activity should always put providers on alert, and in this case, GPs must prepare.
What Is The CQC’s “Returning to Good and Outstanding” Project?
As previously mentioned, the framework will focus on low-risk services, starting with primary care services. This is defined through previous inspection scores, so services with a ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ rating will fall under this. Services will also fall into this assessment category if there are no ongoing inspection activities and are actively operating, not dormant.
Running alongside regular CQC activities, this project will immediately look to target the primary care sector, before being introduced across different sectors of health and care. But as a uniform, these assessments will entail:
- Site visits
- Ten non-clinical quality statements
- Provision of five working days’ notice, as opposed to the standard ten for a regular CQC assessment
- Full inspection can be called upon with sufficient reasoning
Set to be rolled out immediately, this will create a window for greater engagement between providers and regulators. As the project creates a more consistent CQC presence.
What Is The Nature Of This Approach To CQC Assessment?
Most striking in the report is the non-clinical approach that CQC inspectors will be undertaking. This has created feelings that the process will be rather a “tick-box” exercise than a thorough assessment of quality. However, other factors point towards this process encouraging services to undertake more proactive approaches to care.
Prospects of a five-working-day notice window will be particularly prominent for Registered Managers. This will discourage teams from feeling immediately comfortable under the umbrella of a ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ CQC rating, and exemplify the need for consistent inspection-readiness.
And while clinical processes are not included in the ten quality statements, this only expands the focus towards other key areas. Therefore, a service’s leadership, staff training, procedures, governance, and documentation will be under close attention.
Given that the project comes amid a backlog of inspections created over the years, many Registered Managers may feel exposed by what could potentially be their first CQC assessment, in a tighter environment.
Ultimately, this project is the next step towards a consistent regulatory presence in the primary care sector. And with GPs the first to undergo these quick-fire assessments, a proactive approach is encouraged.
Inspection Readiness With Edmonds Governance & Strategy
Understanding regulation in practice has never been more important. The introduction of the “Returning to Good and Outstanding” project will have services and Registered Managers relentlessly preparing, yet still feeling behind. But external support can keep teams ahead of regulation.
With the experience of a CQC expert who has experienced regulation on all ends, Edmonds Governance & Strategy supports providers through all stages of assessment, inspection, and compliance.
So whether it’s navigating the 34 quality statements, or the focus ten non-clinical statements from the Returning to Good and Outstanding approach, Edmonds Governance & Strategy can offer:
- Various mock inspection/quality assessment packages. Including detailed reports with recommendations, improvement plans, and in-house visits
- Due diligence processes to identify clinical and operational risks
- CQC registration support
- CQC enforcement support
- Regulatory advisory and coaching support
Informed with CQC expertise, our goal is to help Registered Managers and care teams feel confident in the face of regulation.
Reach out today using our contact form. Our consultant is always open to a free, non-obligation chat about your service’s current position and where we could potentially support your progression.