The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has released its 2023–24 Annual Report and Accounts, setting out how regulation is evolving and what providers need to focus on in the year ahead.
For health and social care services already dealing with growing demand, staffing pressures, and heightened scrutiny, this report offers essential insight into what’s changing – and what you need to do to stay ahead.
In this blog, Care 4 Quality by WorkNest breaks down the key themes and explains how we can support you to meet, and exceed, the CQC’s expectations.
Key themes from the 2023–24 report
1. Tackling health inequalities
The CQC has made it clear that fairness, equity, and inclusion remain central to its agenda. The report highlights ongoing disparities in access, experience, and outcomes – particularly for people with disabilities, ethnic minority groups, and those living in deprived areas.
What this means for you: Providers must demonstrate a proactive approach to equality. This means evidencing how your service identifies and addresses barriers, listens to underrepresented voices, and adapts care to meet diverse needs.
2. Data-driven, intelligence-led regulation
The CQC’s approach is becoming increasingly dynamic, with continuous, data-informed monitoring now central to its Single Assessment Framework. Real-time data on staffing, service user feedback, and performance is being used to shape inspection priorities and judgements.
What this means for you: Being “inspection-ready” is now a year-round requirement. Daily operational data and evidence matter just as much as what inspectors see on the day they visit.
3. Rebuilding trust and transparency
The CQC faced significant internal challenges in the past year, with reviews by Dr Penny Dash, Professor Sir Mike Richards, and Peter Gill exposing major operational issues. As a result, the regulator is prioritising internal reform and rebuilding confidence among providers and the public.
What this means for you: Inspection activity is likely to increase as the CQC works to return to previous inspection levels. Providers should place greater emphasis on openness, accurate self-assessment, and transparent quality management processes.
The CQC’s 2023–24 Annual Report confirms what many providers already feel – regulatory expectations are rising. But while the bar is higher, this also presents an opportunity to demonstrate excellence, build trust, and stand out from the competition.
Care 4 Quality is here to help you do just that.
Join our free webinar
Mastering the new CQC inspection | Practical steps to protect your rating and reputation
Tuesday, 14 October 2pm – 3pm
The CQC’s Single Assessment Framework (SAF) has transformed how inspections are carried out. They now combine on-site visits with ongoing monitoring, digital evidence gathering, and public feedback. This means providers often receive less notice ahead of inspections, and year-round evidence assessment – not just during formal inspections. Staff voices and the experiences of those receiving care are more important than ever.
This free webinar from our trusted partners, Care 4 Quality by WorkNest, will show you how to:
- Avoid common pitfalls
- Present evidence effectively to improve your rating
- Build a proactive year-round approach to inspection readiness
How Care 4 Quality by WorkNest can help you stay compliant and confident
Care 4 Quality is already working with care providers across England to respond to the very priorities outlined in the CQC’s report. Their tailored support helps you build lasting compliance, improve outcomes, and protect your reputation.
Services include:
- CQC-style audits and SAF readiness– Simulate the latest assessment model so you’re always inspection-ready.
- Equality and inclusion reviews– Assess how well your service promotes access, fairness, and representation.
- Policy and documentation reviews: Ensure your governance and policies align with current CQC expectations.
- Action planning and leadership support: Turn feedback into meaningful improvement with expert coaching.
- Ongoing compliance support: Access advice and support whenever you need it, from day-to-day queries to major changes.
Ready to strengthen your compliance and protect your rating?
Don’t wait for the CQC to come knocking – get ahead now. Book a compliance review or CQC-style audit today and start building a stronger, more resilient service.
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