Setting up a new healthcare or aesthetics clinic is an exciting milestone — but before you open your doors, it’s essential to ensure you’re CQC ready. Applying for Care Quality Commission (CQC) registration can be complex and time-consuming, and many applications are delayed because providers underestimate the level of preparation required.
At BAXCQC, we’ve supported many clinics to achieve successful registration first time. Here are 10 critical checks to complete before you hit ‘submit’ on your CQC application:
The CQC will only register you for the activities you intend to deliver — for example, “Treatment of Disease, Disorder or Injury,” “Diagnostic and Screening Procedures,” or “Surgical Procedures.” Make sure your scope matches your clinical offer, including any future expansion plans.
Every regulated service must have a competent, experienced, and available Registered Manager. This person must demonstrate appropriate qualifications, leadership, and regulatory understanding to oversee safe and compliant care.
The CQC expects robust governance from day one. This means policies, procedures, audit systems, and clear accountability for quality and safety — often referred to under Regulation 17: Good Governance.
Whether you’re providing minor surgery, injectable aesthetics, or GP-led health services, your clinical governance should include evidence of consent, infection prevention, prescribing, and aftercare processes that protect patients and staff.
Staff must be fit and proper to work in regulated healthcare. This includes DBS checks, right-to-work documentation, references, and training in safeguarding, infection control and BLS as a start. The CQC will expect to see this evidence ready for inspection.
Your clinic environment should meet health, safety, and infection control standards — from sharps disposal to safe storage of medicines. A premises risk assessment is an essential document to evidence compliance.
The CQC looks for proof that staff are trained, supervised, and competent to perform their roles. Induction plans, competency assessments, and annual reviews all contribute to demonstrating a culture of learning and improvement.
If you are a sole trader, this will still apply to the person delivering the service.
All providers must show they can report, investigate, and learn from incidents, complaints, and near misses. This demonstrates your commitment to safety and continuous improvement. There should also be a risk register and risk assessments in place as required.
The CQC values the patient voice. Have a clear system to collect and act on feedback — both positive and negative. This shows responsiveness and engagement with those who use your service.
Your Statement of Purpose defines who you are, what you do, and how you deliver safe, effective, compassionate care. It’s your clinic’s regulatory blueprint — and it must align with your CQC application.
Being CQC-ready is about more than just paperwork — it’s about building a culture of quality and safety from the start. Getting it right before you apply not only avoids costly delays but also sets the foundation for a confident, compliant, and successful launch.
Registration will take around 4-6 months, and the final stage is a new provider and registered manager interview. At this stage, the CQC usually ask for a virtual visit to take place, and your service must have everything in place for the CQC to grant your registration.
If you’re setting up a new healthcare or aesthetics clinic and want expert guidance through the CQC registration process, our team can help you prepare every document, policy, and piece of evidence you’ll need. Contact us.