What Does CQC’s Rebuild Mean for Providers in 2026?

In December 2025, Care Quality Commission (CQC) published an update on its work to rebuild how it operates, outlining progress made during the year and priorities for the next phase throughout 2026. They confirmed a clear focus on clearing backlogs, increasing activity and improving the registration experience. But what does it mean for healthcare providers in the coming year? 

A weak application is more likely to be challenged

As set out in CQC’s December update, registration has been identified as a priority area for improvement. Additional inspectors have been recruited, processes streamlined, and pilot approaches introduced to speed up decision-making. This means:

• Applications are being reviewed more thoroughly
• Queries are being raised earlier in the process
• Decisions are happening faster, for better or worse

A weak application is now more likely to be challenged, paused, or refused, rather than quietly delayed.

Early regulatory engagement matters more than ever 

Registering with the CQC has never been just a technical exercise. It’s the moment a new provider first comes into formal regulatory view and sets the tone for everything that follows. What you submit at registration will be:

• Revisited during early inspections
• Used in interviews with CQC to test the consistency of information you provide them with
• Compared against how your service actually operates

Getting registration wrong doesn’t just delay opening, it creates avoidable regulatory risk later on.

A more confident regulator leaves less room for gaps

As CQC refines its internal processes, more applications may struggle. This is not because providers are unsafe, but because they fail to demonstrate readiness in the way CQC expects. Common issues that we see at BAXCQC include:

• Over-reliance on generic policies that don’t reflect the service model
• Inconsistencies in ownership of the application, including lack of familiarity with documents submitted
• Statements of Purpose that describe intent, not operational reality
• Registered Manager applications that don’t evidence sufficient oversight or experience
• Weak linkage between governance arrangements and day-to-day delivery

As CQC regains confidence and momentum, there’s far less room for error.

What successful registration now depends on

Considering the current environment, successful registration in 2026 depends on three things:

1. Clarity of service model

CQC needs to understand exactly what you are offering, to whom, and how it will operate in practice, not just in theory.

2. Credible leadership and governance

Applications must show that leaders are not only qualified, but take ownership and are actively able to oversee quality, safety and risk from day one.

3. Alignment with inspection expectations

Registration should be written with inspection in mind, not as a standalone process.

As we can see, CQC’s renewed momentum means registration is moving faster and scrutiny is more assured, making it essential for providers to treat registration as a strategic foundation and get it right from the outset. 

At BAXCQC, we work with providers at the earliest stage to reduce registration delays, challenges and avoidable refusals. Find out more on our CQC Registration service page.