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The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has begun piloting a new assessment methodology as part of its wider programme to improve the way it regulates health and social care services.
The pilot programme, running from June to October 2026, is designed to test new assessment frameworks before they are rolled out more widely. A full evaluation is expected in November 2026, with feedback helping to shape the final approach. See more here on the Care Quality Commission website.
Importantly, these pilot assessments run alongside the current inspection process, not instead of it. Participation is voluntary, and providers taking part will continue to receive their usual CQC inspection and report. Pilot findings will not affect a provider's rating or regulatory status.
The CQC has made it clear that its objective is to restore confidence in the inspection process by making assessments more:
The regulator also wants providers to have a clearer understanding of how inspection judgements are reached and how evidence contributes to ratings. Alongside the assessment methodology itself, the CQC is also testing the digital tools and systems that will support future inspections. (Care Quality Commission)
For most care providers, the answer is not yet.
Current inspections will continue to be carried out under the existing regulatory framework while the pilots take place.
However, the direction of travel is becoming clearer.
The emphasis remains on demonstrating:
These have always been fundamental to delivering outstanding care and remain central to regulatory expectations.
Whether your next inspection takes place under today's approach or a future assessment framework, the best-prepared organisations tend to have one thing in common: they don't prepare only when an inspection is announced.
They build inspection readiness into their everyday governance.
That means regularly reviewing:
By identifying issues early, providers are often able to address them before they become regulatory concerns.
One of the most effective ways to prepare for any inspection is to experience one before the regulator arrives.
Through our trusted partner, Quality Care Group offers independent mock CQC inspections carried out by experienced consultants with extensive knowledge of the care sector.
Designed to mirror the inspection process, these assessments provide an objective review of your service, helping you understand what's working well and where improvements could be made.
Mock inspections can help you:
Whether your next inspection is months away or could happen tomorrow, being prepared is always the best strategy.
Mock inspections aren't simply about achieving a positive rating.
They're about creating a culture of continuous improvement that benefits residents, staff and the wider organisation.
Many providers choose to undertake regular independent reviews as part of their governance programme, helping ensure standards remain high between inspections rather than only when an assessment is expected.
At Quality Care Group, we believe effective risk management starts long before an inspection takes place.
Alongside specialist insurance and risk management advice, we work with a trusted partner to provide independent mock CQC inspections that help care providers strengthen governance, improve compliance and prepare with confidence.
Whether you're looking for reassurance ahead of your next inspection or want an objective review of your service, we're here to help.
If you'd like to find out more about our mock CQC inspections or discuss how we can help your organisation prepare for future regulatory changes, speak to the Quality Care Group team today.
Together, we can help ensure your organisation is inspection-ready, whatever the future assessment framework looks like.
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Sources
Care Quality Commission – Piloting, Testing and Evaluation of New Assessment Method (4 June 2026). (Care Quality Commission)
Care Quality Commission – Improving How We Work. (Care Quality Commission)
