 Working with providers, the public and our staff we have developed Return to Good, a proportionate assessment approach for services currently rated good, where data and intelligence indicate the rating is likely to have been maintained. The approach enables us to focus more on people’s experiences and outcomes, supported by observation and targeted, risk-based record review. This will help us increase assessment activity while ensuring people continue to receive safe and effective care, aligned .
We will formally begin this approach in June 2026, running alongside our usual assessment activity and aligned to our existing assessment framework. Following the launch in June we will continue to shape this approach based on what the public, providers and our staff tell us.
The services who will receive an assessment of this type will meet set criteria:
- are currently rated as good in all 5 key questions
- have a registered manager
- have ratings over 6 years old
- show no significant risk in the data we hold
- have no ongoing enforcement activity.
It means we will be able to increase regulatory contact in a proportionate way with services that may not otherwise receive a routine assessment. If concerns arise during planning for the inspection, we will revert to the usual approach.
 We’re taking an important step towards improving how we assess and rate health and social care providers by moving to a sector-based approach to regulation.
Feedback from our consultation at the end of last year showed overwhelming support for our proposal to move away from a single assessment framework to separate frameworks that are more specific and relevant to the health and care sectors that we regulate.
We have therefore developed an initial 4 draft assessment frameworks. These draft frameworks give clearer, more transparent and consistent judgements about quality across sectors.
We are asking for feedback on these draft frameworks through a survey which closes on 12 June, so don’t miss the chance to share your feedback.
Throughout April and May we have also delivered a series of in person and online engagement events specifically on the draft frameworks. We received an overwhelming response to these events and are incredibly grateful to everyone who took the time to attend one of the events or expressed an interest.
We previously mentioned we would be running online sector-specific events in June. We have decided to pause, take time to review the huge amount of feedback we have received, and hold these events later in the summer when we have a clearer view of the areas the need working through together. Look out for further information on these events in our bulletins.
We have published an update on our role, expectations and plans in relation to artificial intelligence (AI). We have outlined some of the benefits and risks of AI and set out how our regulatory work has a role in ensuring AI contributes to safe, equitable and person-centred care. The principles of good use of AI provide a high-level illustration of what this means for providers of health and social care services.
Read the full update for more information on AI in health and social care, the potential benefits and risks of AI, our role in the regulation and safe use of AI, and next steps.
We have published a joint working protocol with the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS), setting out how we will work together to support oversight and improvement across health and adult social care.
The protocol outlines how we will collaborate at national, regional, and local level, including how we will share information, align our priorities and work more closely to support people who use services. It reflects our shared commitment to improving outcomes and ensuring that services are safe, effective and well-led.
Working with system partners, such as ADASS, is an important part of how we carry out our role. This protocol provides greater clarity on how we will coordinate our activity with local authorities and wider system partners to support improvement and respond to emerging risks.
We have also published a news story explaining how we are working with ADASS and what this means in practice.
 We are exploring the potential use of Ambient Voice Technology (AVT) to support inspection and regulatory activity, as part of a pilot funded by the Regulators’ Pioneer Fund. AVT tools can securely capture and transcribe conversations during care delivery or inspections, helping to support evidence gathering and reduce administrative burden.
We are keen to hear from health and social care providers about your awareness, experience and views on AVT, including its potential benefits and any concerns. Your feedback will help shape our approach to ensuring the safe, ethical and appropriate use of this technology in our work.
The survey is confidential, voluntary, and will not affect how services are regulated.
Is your organisation ready to start using the Care Workforce Pathway? Would you benefit from structured support and peer learning?
The Care Workforce Pathway is a career structure for adult social care. It sets out the expected knowledge, skills, values, and behaviours that care professionals need to deliver high-quality, personalised care and support. It uses different role categories to show clear routes for career progression - from frontline care to management - and highlights suitable learning and development opportunities at each level.
Adopting the Pathway can offer many benefits, from informing effective workforce planning to attracting and keeping staff. Discover more in the success stories from care providers and system partners who are already using the Pathway.
To help increase Pathway adoption across the sector, Skills for Care is looking for care providers and system partners to join our direct support programme. They will help you build your understanding of the Pathway, offer practical advice on getting started, and provide opportunities for shared learning.
Join an upcoming information webinar to learn more about the support programme and how to take part.
Other news
- Subscribe to our WhatsApp channel, where we share the latest news and updates on improving how we work.
- The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists have published further guidance and advice on thickening using thickener products. Read more.
- The Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) have published guidance for acute hospitals and their local authority partners on how Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) should be applied in acute settings. Read more.
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We are aware of planned industrial action by resident doctors from 15 to 19 June 2026. We will continue inspection activity as planned, while working to minimise disruption and support providers to maintain safe, high-quality care.
Guidance and links
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