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The independent regulator of health
and social care in England |
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A regular update for providers and professionals working in adult social care.
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 We have shared an update on our programme to rebuild regulatory services and digital systems, with the aim of delivering more effective regulation, a better provider experience and greater confidence in its judgements.
The programme includes redevelopment of core digital services, including the provider portal, alongside new sector-specific assessment frameworks, improved use of regulatory data, and more consistent assessment and registration processes. Provider feedback will play a key role in shaping future services.
Progress is already underway, with more than 9,800 assessments completed, exceeding the target of 9,000 by the end of September. Draft assessment frameworks have also been tested across sectors, with provider feedback informing further refinements.
While longer-term improvements are being developed, we have introduced new ways of prioritising assessment activity to address aged ratings and improve the accuracy of regulatory information. Further details on future changes, including the potential use of AI to support regulatory decision-making, are expected this autumn.
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In the latest Inside CQC article, Chris Badger, Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care and Integrated Care, outlines how we are using learning from both outstanding services and enforcement activity to support quality improvement across the sector.
The article highlights 3 recurring themes linked to regulatory concerns:
- governance
- safety
- staffing.
Strong leadership, effective oversight, proactive risk management and a skilled, supported workforce are identified as key foundations of high-quality care. Chris also draws on recent research with The King’s Fund, which identified person-centred care, inclusive leadership, equity, continuous learning and a focus on positive outcomes as hallmarks of outstanding services.
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In February we shared information about a research project we commissioned to better understand how adult social care providers approach risk and safety, and some of you will have taken the opportunity to participate in the research. We would like to invite you to a 30-minute webinar presenting the findings from our research, to accompany its publication.
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Sector awareness and understanding of Safety Management Systems (SMS)
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Current approaches to risk and safety management
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Ideas for how the CQC could support providers to make safety management even more effective
The webinar will be held over Microsoft Teams, and will take place on 17 September from 11.30am–12pm.
To attend, please register using the link below. You will then receive a calendar invitation.
Other news
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Subscribe to our WhatsApp channel, where we share the latest news and updates on improving how we work.
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Don't miss our blog series reflecting on feedback from recent roadshows and how these conversations are helping to shape the future of regulation and engagement.
Read the series of blogs.
- The Digital Care Hub is hosting its first Digital Care Summit London on 23 September 2026, bringing together leaders from adult social care, health and technology for a practical day of discussion and shared learning. The summit will focus on digital transformation, partnership working and neighbourhood health, exploring how digital tools, better data sharing and stronger collaboration can support more joined-up, preventative and person-centred care. Apply for a place here.
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Digital Care Hub Upcoming Webinars
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Smarter Care Through Better Standards will take place online on 10 September 2026, 12-1.30pm. This webinar will provide practical, plain English guidance on data and technology standards in adult social care. The session will help providers understand what these standards are, why they matter, and how adopting them can support safer care, better information sharing and future digital innovation. Book here.
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Data Standards: Staying Compliant as the Home Office Goes Digital will take place online on 17 September 2026, 11.30am-12.30pm. Delivered by Borderless and the Digital Care Hub, this webinar will explore how the Home Office's move to digital immigration and sponsorship processes is changing compliance requirements for care providers. The session will examine where data protection and sponsor compliance overlap, and highlight risks that could lead to compliance breaches. Book here.
Guidance and links
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