New CQC Framework

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) introduced a new assessment framework in November 2023 to improve how it regulates and inspects health and social care services in England. This framework represents a significant shift in how the CQC evaluates care providers, focusing on continuous learning, improvement, and collaboration. Below are the key elements of the new framework:

Key Features of the New CQC Framework

1. Single Assessment Framework:

   • The new framework replaces the previous approach, which used different methods for different types of services (e.g., hospitals, care homes, GP practices).

   • It introduces a single, unified framework that applies to all health and social care services, ensuring consistency in how quality is assessed.

2. Focus on Quality Statements:

   • Instead of the previous Key Lines of Enquiry (KLOEs), the new framework uses 34 quality statements.

   • These statements are based on the CQC's updated fundamental standards and are grouped under the five key questions:

     • Safe

     • Effective

     • Caring

     • Responsive

     • Well-led

   • Each quality statement describes what good care looks like and sets clear expectations for providers.

3. Continuous Monitoring and Assessment:

   • The new framework emphasizes ongoing assessment rather than periodic inspections.

   • The CQC will use a combination of:

     • Data and evidence (e.g., performance metrics, feedback from people using services, and staff surveys).

     • On-site inspections (when necessary).

   • This approach allows the CQC to respond more quickly to changes in service quality.

4. Focus on People’s Experiences:

   • The framework places greater emphasis on the experiences of people using services, their families, and carers.

   • Feedback from service users will play a central role in shaping assessments and ratings.

5. Collaborative Approach:

   • The CQC aims to work more collaboratively with care providers, focusing on improvement and learning rather than just compliance.

   • Providers will have more opportunities to engage with the CQC and share evidence of their performance.

6. New Scoring System:

   • The CQC is introducing a more transparent scoring system to assess performance against the quality statements.

   • This will help providers understand how they are performing and where they need to improve.

7. Focus on Equity and Inclusion:

   • The new framework emphasizes reducing inequalities in care.

   • Providers will be assessed on how well they meet the needs of diverse populations, including those with protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.

8. Digital Transformation:

   • The CQC is leveraging technology to improve its assessment processes.

   • Providers will be encouraged to use digital tools to submit evidence and engage with the CQC.

How the New Framework Works

1. Evidence Categories:

   • The CQC will assess providers using six categories of evidence:

     • People’s experiences: Feedback from service users and their families.

     • Feedback from staff: Insights from staff surveys and engagement.

     • Observations: Findings from on-site inspections.

     • Processes: How care is delivered and managed.

     • Outcomes: The impact of care on people’s health and well-being.

     • Input: Resources, leadership, and governance.

2. Ratings:

   • Services will continue to receive one of four ratings:

     • Outstanding

     • Good

     • Requires Improvement

     • Inadequate

   • However, the way these ratings are determined will be more transparent and evidence-based.

3. Tailored Assessments:

   • The CQC will tailor assessments to the specific context of each service, ensuring that evaluations are relevant and proportionate.

Why the Change?

The new framework reflects the CQC’s commitment to:

• Being more responsive to changes in care quality.

• Encouraging continuous improvement rather than focusing solely on compliance.

• Reducing the burden of regulation on care providers.

• Ensuring that assessments are fair, transparent, and consistent.

Impact on Providers

• Providers will need to adapt to the new framework by:

  • Collecting and sharing evidence of their performance.

  • Engaging more proactively with the CQC.

  • Focusing on improving the experiences of people using their services.

• The framework encourages a culture of learning and innovation, helping providers deliver high-quality care.

The new framework represents a significant step forward in how the CQC regulates health and social care in England, with a stronger focus on quality, equity, and collaboration. Providers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the quality statements and evidence requirements to prepare for assessments under the new system.