When you add a new location to your CQC registration, you’re not just updating an address, you are demonstrating that the environment itself is safe, suitable and fit for purpose.
CQC will assess whether your premises support the delivery of regulated activities in a way that protects the people using your service.
Here are the key estate considerations that CQC may ask for as evidence, before allowing your new location to be registered:
1. Premises Suitability & Layout
The building must be appropriate for the type of care being delivered. You should consider:
- Room sizes and clinical functionality - if you are unsure whether you comply, check Health Building Notes (HBN’s)
- Privacy and dignity for patients
- Confidential consultation areas
- Safe patient flow and zoning
- Infection prevention separation where relevant
2. Health & Safety Compliance
You will need documented compliance with statutory requirements, including:
- Fire risk assessment
- Electrical installation condition report
- Gas safety certification
- Legionella risk assessment
- PAT testing
CQC will expect assurance that these are current and that there is a plan in place for regular review.
3. Infection Prevention & Control
For clinical environments, you must demonstrate:
- Cleanable surfaces and appropriate flooring
- Hand hygiene facilities
- Clinical waste storage arrangements
- Decontamination processes
- Appropriate cleaning schedules
4. Accessibility & Equality
You must demonstrate that, wherever reasonably practicable, the premises complies with accessibility requirements under equality legislation.
This may include:
- Step-free access to the building or clearly documented mitigation arrangements
- Accessible toilet facilities
- Suitable door widths and circulation space
- Clear external and internal signage
- Hearing loop systems where appropriate
- Accessible parking or clear drop-off arrangements
Where full structural compliance is not possible, you must:
- Complete and document a formal accessibility risk assessment
- Identify and implement reasonable adjustments
- Clearly record mitigation measures
- Ensure staff understand how to support individuals requiring adjustments
You must also ensure transparency with service users. Any access limitations and associated mitigation measures should be clearly communicated. For example, on your website, in appointment confirmations, and within patient information materials.
5. Lease & Legal Control of Premises
CQC will require evidence that you have legal authority to operate from the location for its intended use to deliver Regulated Activity.
This typically includes:
- Signed lease
- Ownership documentation
- Evidence of Landlord consent
CQC will expect to see that the premises is lawfully secured, contractually authorised and appropriate for the activities being registered.
6. Equipment & Facilities
You must evidence that the building contains the equipment and infrastructure necessary for safe service delivery, such as:
- Clinical sinks
- Appropriate storage for medicines (where applicable)
- Secure IT systems
- Appropriate lighting and ventilation
7. Security & Environmental Safety
You must ensure that appropriate security measures are in place to protect service users, staff, equipment and confidential information. Security arrangements should be proportionate to the service being delivered and informed by risk assessment.
This may include:
- Controlled building access
- Lockable clinical rooms and storage
- Secure medicines storage (where applicable)
- Visitor sign-in processes
- Adequate external lighting
Where CCTV is installed, you must demonstrate lawful and proportionate use, including:
- A documented CCTV policy
- Appropriate camera positioning
- GDPR-compliant storage and retention
Security should support safety without compromising privacy or dignity and should form part of your wider premises risk assessment and governance framework.
8. Ongoing Estates Compliance
Most importantly, it is not just about how things look when you set up, but how you ensure ongoing compliance.
You should be able to demonstrate:
- A premises risk assessment and review cycle
- Integration into your governance framework
- Planned maintenance schedules
- Clear lines of accountability for estates management