CQC Consultation Key Opportunity To Realign Regulatory Structures

Responding to the launch of the CQC’s consultation on changes aimed at making regulation more flexible and responsive, Danny Mortimer, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, said:

“This is a key opportunity to realign regulatory structures towards the more lean, light, and agile ways of working brought about by the COVID-19 crisis. The CQC’s ambitions will appeal to health leaders, who have been calling for a more dynamic, flexible, and proportionate approach to regulation. We will work with leaders to contribute actively to the consultation.

“Health leaders have told us they sometimes feel they don’t have the opportunity to improve ratings other than during full inspections. There are also concerns about the lag between inspections and the publication of ratings, meaning judgements can become outdated. Moves to accelerate that and streamline ratings will be well-received.

“A more responsive system would help foster transformation and start to put into practice some of the valuable insights and lessons learnt gained during the pandemic.”