The CQC is planning to launch a ‘revamped’ assessment framework in mid-2026

The CQC is planning to launch a ‘revamped’ assessment framework in mid-2026.

The CQC has been under scrutiny over the past year, with a review, led by now NHS England chair Dr Penny Dash, finding ‘significant failings’ in the CQC.

Professor Bola Owolabi, chief inspector of primary and community care at CQC, said further consultation would launch later this year. This is with a ‘view to starting to pilot some of the early forms of the newly revamped assessment framework in the new year, and with a fair wind to actually properly rolling it out towards the middle of next year. 'She added that the consultation would look at improving the assessment framework’s content, but also making sure that the way the CQC rates services is ‘meaningful, that it’s transparent and that actually people can trust what we say’.

‘We are looking at the assessment framework,’ she said. ‘We’ve heard you loud and clear. I’ve had a lot to say, along with all other GPs about the assessment framework that we currently use and how it must be refined and. It must be updated, to be more streamlined, and to be meaningful, and to be reflective of what people actually do in the practice.’

William Greenwood

Chief Executive and Company Secretary