The Care Quality Commission (CQC) portal is an online system that allows health and social care companies to manage their registration to the CQC, to submit notifications and to update their user account details.
In March 2024, a new portal was launched in the hopes of creating a streamlined and more user-friendly platform for businesses to use. However, many services reported major issues, such as delayed submission processing, an inability to access the portal and frequent outages and delays.
This coincided with the launch of the CQC’s 2021 strategy, which introduced a whole new regulatory approach and assessment framework for providers to follow. On top of this change, in June, Ian Trenholm stepped down from his role as Chief Executive of the CQC after 6 years. As a result, many businesses were left feeling confused and unsupported, prompting a candid public apology in July from the CQC’s new interim Chief Executive, Kate Terroni.
Issues with the portal
Some services have been unable to log in to the system, meaning they are unable to submit essential notifications, applications, or annual returns. Many providers are therefore having to submit statutory notifications to the CQC via email.
The CQC’s response
In response to growing concerns from providers, Kate Terroni issued a lengthy apology in July, stating: “I want to start with an apology. We’ve got things wrong in the implementation of our new regulatory approach.”
The latest updates
The CQC are initiating a new pilot program in the NHS aimed at building relationships between providers and their local assessment team. They are also developing a new regulatory handbook to clarify inspection standards.
In May 2024, Dr Penelope Dash led an independent review which revealed serious failings in the CQC’s effectiveness. The new Labour government’s Secretary of State for Health, Wes Streeting, has admitted the CQC are “not fit for purpose”.
The ClouDoc team is keeping track of any updates. If you have any questions, give ClouDoc a call on 0330 808 0050 or email support@caredaily.co.uk
