Understanding the CQC’s Second Phase of Assessment

The Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) second phase of its assessment framework review is underway, aiming to enhance transparency, support care providers and improve the overall social care experience

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Care Home Professional

The second phase of the Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) assessment framework review has begun, building upon the findings of Sir Mike Richards’ phase one review. This phase aims to refine the CQC’s processes and improve the social care experience by incorporating extensive feedback from both providers and service users.

The initial phase of the review, which was completed in mid-October 2024, identified areas for improvement and set the direction for future developments. Now, the second phase will focus on taking those findings further to create more transparency, support care providers and enhance assessment experiences across the sector.

For practice managers working within social care, these developments could significantly affect how assessments are carried out and how ratings are determined. Practice managers will need to stay informed about these changes to understand how the updated CQC framework might impact their organisation.

Leading the Next Phase

Professor Sir Mike Richards will continue to lead this next phase, building on the recommendations from phase one. His work will involve in-depth internal discussions with CQC staff across various sectors, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the CQC’s processes. This will ensure that the insights gathered from both staff and leadership teams across health and social care organisations are incorporated effectively into the review.

Additionally, the Care Provider Alliance (CPA), chaired by Professor Vic Rayner OBE, will oversee a targeted programme of engagement with care providers. The CPA will collect feedback from providers to help shape CQC assessments and ensure that these processes align with the expectations of both service users and care providers.

Keeping on Top of Developments

As the second phase of the review unfolds, practice managers should consider how these changes might affect their team’s operations and be proactive in aligning their practices with the updated guidance and expectations from the CQC.

Practice managers play a crucial role in fostering strong relationships between care providers and primary care services. By staying informed about changes in the assessment framework, they can help ensure that their teams are prepared for upcoming adjustments and that care providers are fully supported in meeting new standards.