Joint statement from CQC’s Chief Inspectors, and Deputy Chief Inspector and lead for mental health services

CQC have outlined their approach to what they are calling Regulatory Transition, covering how they plan to innovate and regulate in the coming months the timeframe runs from now through to May 2021.  They identify 3 phases: Phase 1 -Now  - Monitoring; phase 2 Next – a regularity transitional approach from late Sept/ early October and then phase 3: Future – their future strategy which start in May 2021 Key points to note: 

Phase 1 Now - Monitoring includes developing a more structured and consistent approach to monitoring providers, building on the Emergency Support Framework and using a streamlined set of KLOES with a focus on Safe and Well Led, to move beyond the COVID focus of the ESF. This will generate a summary record for the provider, which is not for publication. 

Phase 2: Regulatory Transition: includes a continuation of targeted and focused inspections in response to regulatory risk; providers should note that they are not returning to their previous  programme of inspection based on ratings frequencies, but rather are focussing on risk to guide where and when they inspect. They are also piloting virtual inspections for domiciliary care Sept – Dec and will be looking at how to increase the numbers of rated inspections ie inspection that lead to re-rating

This statement (opens new window) sets out how the CQC will regulate during the next phase of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

From 6 October, it will begin to roll out our transitional regulatory approach, starting with adult social care and dental services.