compliance failures put residents at risk. An outdated medication risk assessment, an untrained staff member, a missed DBS check. These aren't just paperwork problems. They're vulnerabilities that could result in real harm. 

A CQC Notice of Proposal is a formal warning that changes may be made to your care service’s registration or rating. This guide explains what it means, why it’s issued, and how you can respond effectively to maintain compliance and protect your reputation.

Ensuring care home compliance is a constant challenge. From maintaining up-to-date policies to ensuring accurate records and adequate staffing levels, the responsibilities can seem never-ending. For many care homes, outdated processes or paper-based systems make compliance harder than necessary. 

But here's the truth: compliance doesn't have to feel like you're constantly bracing for impact. When you build the right systems and make compliance part of your daily routine rather than a last-minute scramble, inspections become far less daunting.  

All care providers are required to adhere to the standards set by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and care homes must show compliance at all levels, from leadership and policies to routine care procedures. 

The CQC does not resolve individual complaints or investigate them on behalf of the person making the complaint. That might come as a surprise, but it doesn’t mean your voice doesn’t matter.

With several updates from the CQC already underway, and more on the horizon, we’ve pulled together the key changes you need to know to keep your service compliant and inspection-ready.

Ensuring high standards of conduct and performance among your care staff is essential to providing safe and effective care. As a care provider, maintaining a fair and transparent disciplinary process can help uphold these standards while also fostering a positive workplace culture. This guide outlines a step-by-step approach designed for care company owners and managers. 

Sustainability might once have seemed like a ‘nice-to-have’ in social care, but that’s quickly changing. In this episode of The Care Corner Podcast, we’re joined by Aaron White from Oakland Care to talk all things sustainability: from embedding green values into care culture, to making small changes that add up to big impact.

Whether you're rolling out regulatory updates, changes to working hours, or completely new safeguarding protocols, how you train your staff makes all the difference.

When it comes to running a compliant, well-organised care business, your policies and procedures matter. But as digital solutions become more widely adopted across the sector, one big question remains: should you be using digital or paper-based policies?

While most providers associate CQC enforcement with inspections and warning notices, the CQC also holds criminal enforcement powers. These powers include the ability to prosecute both organisations and individuals (including directors and managers) if they fail to meet certain legal requirements.

According to a survey conducted by Campaign Collective for the Social Workers Union, the British Association of Social Workers (BASW), and LBC Radio, almost two-thirds (58%) of social workers report that their caseloads are unmanageable.

When it comes to delivering safe, effective, and high-quality care, your policies and procedures are the foundation. They not only help you stay compliant with CQC regulations but also guide your team to respond consistently, safely, and confidently in every situation.

Business plans are like roadmaps – you can start a journey without one, but you’re far more likely to take a wrong turn. Whether you're launching a new cosmetic healthcare clinic or growing an established one, a clear, well-structured business plan is vital.

The use of CCTV in care homes remains a highly debated issue, one that raises issues of safeguarding, privacy, legal responsibility and public trust.

While surveillance can offer peace of mind and an additional layer of protection for vulnerable residents, it also raises significant concerns around dignity, autonomy and data protection.

If you're a healthcare provider wondering whether the Care Quality Commission (CQC) is still conducting inspections in 2025 - the short answer is yes. Inspections are very much ongoing. However, they look quite different to how they did a few years ago.

The demand for weight loss medications has surged in recent years, but with increased demand comes increased risk.

Yes – the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has the legal authority to issue fines to care providers and individuals for failing to meet regulatory requirements. These fines can be issued through fixed penalty notices, or, in more serious cases, the CQC can take providers to court, where penalties may include unlimited fines and imprisonment.

Starting your own healthcare business can be a hugely rewarding venture, whether you’re launching a private clinic, mobile health service, or specialised healthcare consultancy. This guide walks you through every key step.