| Photograph of Chris Badger Chris Badger, currently Director of Adult Care Services at Hertfordshire County Council, has been appointed as CQCâs Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care and Integrated Care. Chris brings over 15 years of experience in adult social care and has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving services for people who rely on care and support. In his new role, he will lead CQCâs regulation of services for older people and adults with complex needs, and oversee how local authorities meet their duties under the Care Act 2014. His appointment completes the line-up of four Chief Inspectors at CQC, each bringing sector-specific expertise to drive improvement across mental health, hospitals, primary and community care, and adult social care. Chris will join CQC in September 2025. Kay Boycott, Alex Kafetz, Michael Mire, Ruth Owen, Melanie Williams and Richard Barker have been appointed to the CQC Board. The new board members bring extensive experience across health, social care, regulation, and the third sector. Kay Boycott will also serve as Chair of the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee. Richard Barker joins initially as an associate non-executive director and will become a full board member upon completing his current transformation role at DHSC and NHSE. Their appointments come at a pivotal time for CQC, as we continue to rebuild and strengthen our regulatory role. The new board will work alongside the recently appointed Chief Inspectors to drive improvement and accountability. | Weâve launched a national programme of roadshows to reconnect with providers and co-design a modern vision of regulation. These events are helping shape our new assessment framework and technology, grounded in real experiences and open dialogue. So far, hundreds of providers have joined us in Manchester and London to share feedback. You told us you want more transparency, consistency, better technology, and stronger relationships with inspection teams. Weâre acting on that. Next stops: Leicester and Bristol. Weâll continue listening, learning, and building a regulatory approach that works for everyone. |
| Alison Hall, Deputy Director of Local Authority Assessments, highlights the vital role of voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) groups in helping CQC understand how local authorities are meeting their Care Act duties. As part of our new assessment responsibilities, weâre inviting people and organisations supporting their communities â especially those working with underserved groups â to share their experiences. Your insights help us build a fuller picture of local needs and improve outcomes for people. Find out how to get involved and share your feedback on our website. |
Julie Stanborough, Director of Data and Insight, reflects on the findings from our 2024 Children and Young Peopleâs Patient Experience Survey â the first since 2020 and based on responses from nearly 26,000 children, young people, and their families. The results show that most respondents felt well cared for, involved in decisions, and treated with respect. However, the data also highlights areas for improvement, particularly around how concerns are handled and how well the needs of children with mental health conditions, autism, or disabilities are met. These insights will inform our regulatory work and help NHS trusts improve care for all children and young people. An image of a laptop, a pair of glasses, and a pen resting on a notebook.
Since 1 July 2022, all CQC registered health and social care providers have been required by the  to provide training for their staff in learning disability and autism, including how to interact appropriately with autistic people and people with a learning disability. This should be at a level appropriate to their role.
On 19 June 2025 the Oliver McGowan Code of Practice was published by the department of health and social care. The purpose of the code is to explain what is meant by training that is âappropriate to the personâs roleâ and to provide guidance on how to ensure all staff receive such training. Compliance with the standards set out in the code of practice, is expected to ensure that every person receives high quality learning disability and autism training that meets their learning needs and is appropriate to their role. Importantly, this aims to improve the experiences and outcomes of autistic people and people with a learning disability when they access CQC regulated health and social care services. This means that CQC registered providers must ensure that they provide each member of staff with training that meets the standards set out in the Code in order to deliver the best possible outcomes. CQC will use the Oliver McGowan Code of Practice when considering whether providers are meeting the requirements of the regulation. Animated illustration showing a laptop with a cross symbol on the screen, a pill, a pair of eyeglasses, and a doctor speaking with a patient. The National Paediatric Early Warning system (NPEWS) programme was agreed in 2018 between NHS England,  RCPCH and RCN. The aim was to have a standardised approach to Children and Young Peopleâs  inpatient observation and response, which incorporated a physiologically based score and the ability to highlight both professional and caregiver concern as independent escalation pathways. The NPEWS chart was launched in November 2023 and is being utilised, or there is a clear plan to be utilised, in 72% of England hospitals. We are supportive of this programme of work, which will improve outcomes of care for children and young people. As part of the transition from local approaches to the national PEWS it is acknowledged that new and/or different governance approaches (e.g. in the recognition of sepsis) may need to be adopted and we will be mindful of this as part of any review process occurring during transitional periods. We note the Emergency Department NPEWS pilot launched in early 2025, which aims to release an agreed ED NPEWS chart in autumn 2025 and will be supportive of the pilot sites who are implementing different ways of working during the testing period. Further work is planned in 2026 to roll out NPEWS into both pre-hospital care and the community as part of the SPOT (System Wide Observation Tracking) programme. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) have published research about steps taken by Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) to tackle race inequalities in maternity and neonatal care. It includes advice about using the Public Sector Equality Duty to improve access, experiences and outcomes for services users, as well as recommended actions for ICBs and other health bodies. This research builds on previous EHRC advice about equality data in maternity and neonatal care. Constipation is a common condition that can affect people of all ages, but when left unmanaged, it can lead to serious complications such as faecal impaction. CQC is reminding providers to have robust systems in place to identify and support people at risk, particularly older adults, those with learning disabilities, and individuals taking medications known to cause constipation, such as antipsychotics or clozapine. Person-centred care planning, regular monitoring, and awareness of red flag symptoms are essential to prevent harm. NHS England has published a range of helpful resources to support carers, professionals, and people with learning disabilities in recognising and managing constipation effectively. Read more on our website.
Tackling Workforce Inequalities in Health and Adult Social Care. Weâre pleased to share the final report from research commissioned by CQC and delivered by the Institute for Employment Studies and IFF Research. The study explores how systemic, institutional, and interpersonal discrimination affects staff wellbeing, career development and the quality of care. The research findings capture individual experiences, identify effective practices, and highlight strategies for addressing workforce inequalities. Read more about the research here. Weâre continuing to take action to improve how we regulate, find out more.Â
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New study seeking to hear from men who work as a care worker (or are leaving/have left) in care homes or home care across England. Researchers at University of Leeds are undertaking research to understand how to attract, recruit and retain more male care workers in care homes and home care: The MEND study. They are now interviewing male carers to hear about their experiences and views about what helps to attract, recruit and retain staff in their roles. Participants will receive a £25 shopping voucher. Participation is voluntary, and interviews will be carried out using online or telephone interviews. To learn more or express interest, contact Emma McLorie (researcher) at e.v.mclorie@leeds.ac.uk or +44 (0)113 343 7552 |
