CQC consultancy FAQs

It helps to separate the process into two stages. The first is preparation, where the service model, application information and supporting evidence are brought together. We normally aim to complete the agreed consultancy preparation within around 7–10 working days once the required information is available. The second is CQC's own assessment, which has no guaranteed completion date and can take several months depending on the application and assessment required.

After submission, CQC carries out its own checks and assessment. The next steps can include requests for clarification or further evidence, discussion with the Nominated Individual, a Registered Manager interview or a site-related assessment. Providers should keep their registration evidence organised and be ready to explain how the proposed service will operate.

Yes. Some tasks remain the provider’s responsibility and sit outside the consultancy scope, such as arranging insurance quotations, opening a business bank account, ordering supplies and putting appropriate health and safety arrangements in place. We can help you identify the practical items that normally need to be organised alongside the registration work.

If a GP is providing regulated activities privately, CQC registration may be required unless the work is being carried out within an appropriately registered provider or practice. The correct position depends on the service model and regulated activities, so we recommend checking the scope before starting the service.

Preparation should cover the regulations, CQC requirements, your policies, your application documents and the way your service will operate in practice. We can provide interview-preparation support using example question areas and scenario-based practice. Example questions are guidance only and should not be treated as a guarantee of the exact questions CQC will ask.

A useful readiness review checks whether leadership, records, staff knowledge and operational practice support each other. Depending on the service, the evidence may include governance, safeguarding, medicines, workforce controls, complaints, incidents, service-user experience, infection prevention, health and safety and quality assurance.

Project payment terms are confirmed in the quotation or proposal for the work. Content-based services are generally paid for before drafting and delivery begins unless different terms are agreed in writing.

CQC makes the registration decision, so no consultancy can guarantee approval. If an error in work supplied by us needs correcting, we will address that issue. If CQC requires a resubmission or substantial additional work, that work is scoped and quoted separately.

The level and duration of support depend on the package you purchase. Registration support normally covers the agreed application work and the support period described in your proposal. Additional work outside the agreed scope can be quoted separately.

Yes. Documents prepared for you are supplied in usable formats so you can retain them for your records and update them in future where appropriate.

Different provider types and regulated activities require different levels of research, drafting, evidence and operational detail. This means the amount of work varies between social care, primary care, secondary care and specialist services. Current fees are shown on our Prices page or confirmed in a written quotation.

Yes. CQC Consultant supports health and social care providers across England. Face-to-face appointments are available from our Tolworth office, with telephone and video consultations available for providers elsewhere.

A new social care provider may need registration support alongside suitable policies and a business plan, but the starting point should always be what is already in place. Existing documents can be reviewed before any additional work is recommended, so the support reflects the provider's actual needs rather than a fixed package.

Private healthcare registration commonly involves the application itself, a clear Statement of Purpose, leadership arrangements and service-specific policies. Where suitable policies already exist, they can be reviewed first rather than replaced automatically. The exact support should follow the regulated activities and operating model of the provider.