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CQC Backlog Raises Concerns Over Safeguarding and Credibility

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is facing scrutiny after admitting a substantial backlog in addressing serious concerns raised about NHS providers.

The revelation came as CQC Chief Executive Sir Julian Hartley appeared before the Health and Social Care Committee to discuss findings from last year’s scathing government-commissioned review by Dr. Penny Dash.

Sir Julian disclosed that the regulator has yet to process 5,000 notifications of concern. These include critical alerts such as incidents, major provider issues, and concerns flagged by staff and the public.

“We currently have approximately 5,000 concerns in the backlog, which have not been addressed within the 10-day response timeframe,” Sir Julian stated. “Given we receive around 800,000 notifications annually, it is imperative to fast-track these cases, prioritizing them based on urgency. Weekly updates are being provided to monitor progress.”

Ian Dilks, outgoing chair of the CQC told the committee:
“We have reports that go back for some months that are stuck in the system. People can’t get them back out”.

However, the delays have caused alarm among MPs. Labour MP for Thurrock, Jen Craft, raised the issue of potential safeguarding risks, acknowledging the committee’s shock at the extent of the backlog.

Sir Julian further admitted that some cases awaiting review date back months, with the oldest unreviewed notifications from November 2023, and the oldest without action dating as far back as August 2024. The CQC has committed to providing the committee with a detailed update to clarify the status of these cases.

Committee Chair Calls for Swift Action

Layla Moran MP, chair of the committee, described the situation as deeply concerning. She emphasized the need for urgent improvement, stating:

“We are shocked by the extent of the backlog at the CQC. It is critical that the regulator moves swiftly to address the deficiencies highlighted in the Dash review. We will closely monitor their progress to ensure they restore credibility and fulfill their obligations to providers and the public.”

The findings of Dr. Dash’s 2023 review revealed widespread failings within the CQC. It concluded that the regulator had “lost its credibility” among the providers it oversees, undermining trust in its ability to ensure quality and safety.

An internal review conducted by the CQC concurred with these findings, recommending a “fundamental reset” of the organization. It warned that without structural reform, the regulator would struggle to achieve its objectives.

In response to the reviews, the CQC has implemented significant changes to its assessment framework. It has revamped its scoring system, now focusing on quality statement-level scores to enable faster assessments.

A spokesperson for the CQC stated:
“We recognize the urgency of addressing these issues and are committed to delivering more assessments at a faster pace. These changes represent just one aspect of our broader effort to reform and rebuild trust in our operations.”

The backlog raises broader concerns about the impact on safeguarding and the credibility of inspections. Care sector leaders have long stressed the importance of timely, transparent, and effective oversight, especially given the pressures faced by providers across the UK.