How to become CQC registered

CQC Registration Requirements

CQC Registration Requirements are quite extensive and vary depending on the type of service you provide. Here is a short checklist of what you will need to submit as part of your application

• Countersigned, enhanced DBS Check for you and your Registered Manager/s - this must be less than 12 months old
• All supporting documents ready for your service type, including: 
  • Policies and Procedures
  • Business Plan
  • Staff training matrix
• Suitable registered with the required qualifications and experience, with supporting evidence
• Completed registered manager form (if not a sole trader)
  Comprehensive statement of purpose
  References (for individual providers):
•  Details of employment history
• GP name and contact details
• Most recent employer name and contact details
• Declaration of medical fitness
  Completed statement of financial viability

You should also download this free Guide to CQC Registration, for more information on all of the elements above, other CQC registration requirements and what CQC want to see in order for your CQC application to be successful.

How to become CQC registered 

The sections below go into more detail about the process of CQC registration, including documentation required and timescales, but first we need to establish how different types of services or circumstances use different registration routes. 

The route used to become CQC registered varies based on a number of factors, firstly the kind of service you are providing, for example to register as a provider of residential care services, or as a provider of domiciliary care services.

Secondly, there are some variations in the documentation and forms needed by CQC, depending on whether you are:

• Creating an entirely new care service
• Buying an existing provider or locations that is already registered with the CQC
• Restructuring your current care business and creating a new legal entity

If you are registering multiple locations then each of your care locations (e.g. each care home, or home care agency) needs to be registered with the CQC. However this can be done as part of one application, by completing the form on this page for each registered location.

Similarly if you are registering with more than one nominated individual, or more than two business partners, you will need to complete the Additional Nominated Individual form and/or this form for additional partners.

As part of your application to register with CQC you will need to show:

• How you will meet the Health and Social Care Act 2008, associated regulations, relevant guidance and any other laws that apply and the CQC Fundamental Standards
• That you have plans in place and provide all supporting documentation
• That you have well designed and written Care Policies and Procedures in place and demonstrate that staff understand them
• That you and your managers understand what is required of you
• Your premises are appropriate to deliver personal care

Other key information includes your Statement of Purpose, DBS checks, references and evidence of financial viability. More details below. 

How to become a CQC registered manager

The CQC has provided extensive guidance on how to become a CQC registered manager and it should answer all the questions you have. But if in doubt, you can always contact the CQC directly with a specific question to be sure you're taking the right approach. 

Even if you have already been a registered manager elsewhere 

As part of your application to become a registered manager with the CQC you will need:

• proof of relevant qualifications
• proof of current up-to-date (relevant) training
• written proof of all your qualifications and completed training
• evidence that shows your competence, skills and experience

How Long Does CQC Registration Take?

Registering isn’t something that happens overnight, you will have the responsibility of caring for people and their health and wellbeing. It’s important the regulators are completely satisfied that you can provide a safe and high-quality service when you open.

Understanding the CQC’s Key Lines of Enquiry (KLOEs) used to be essential here. The KLOEs are currently being replaced by Quality Statements as part of the CQC New Inspection Framework.

You need to demonstrate that you have the knowledge, skills and resources to provide care that is safe, effective, caring, responsive to people’s needs, through a care service that is well-led.

The main application forms for regulators can take as much as 7-8 hours to complete in some circumstances but it’s likely only to take you a couple. Some preparation could take several weeks. Here are some examples:

What is a DBS Check?

Most applicants will also need to supply the CQC with a countersigned Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) number as part of the process. A DBS check is a way for employers, or in this case the CQC to check your criminal record to ensure there are no reasons why you shouldn't be working with children or vulnerable adults.

If your DBS number is not countersigned by the regulator then then it will not be valid. 

The following people usually need to complete the DBS check process:

• Individuals applying for registration to carry on or manage a care service
• All partners
• Registered managers

It can take up to 8 weeks to get a countersigned DBS number, so it’s one of the first things that should be dealt with.

Our article on CQC DBS requirements goes into greater detail on this topic.

What’s a Statement of Purpose?

A statement of purpose is incredibly important and aids your application chances. It should outline what you do, where you do it and who you do it for. It should be supplied to the regulator when applying.

You have to include this statement as part of your application, and it must include:

• Your aims and objectives
• The services you provide
• The different needs your service meets
• Your contact details
• Your service's legal entity
• The places where services are provided

You can download detailed guidance and templates to help your draft your statement of permission here.

References and financial viability

It’s important to back up your statement of purpose with references and proof that you have the financial resources to provide the services and continue to do so.

Individual providers need to supply:

• Details of employment history
• GP name and contact details
• Last employer name and contact details
• Declaration of medical fitness

Partnerships need to supply the same information for all partners, however organisations do not need to supply this information for their nominated individual.

You also need to provide assurance of your financial position in a statement letter from a financial specialist. This person must be one of the following:

• An accountant or accountancy company registered with a recognised accountancy supervisory or qualifying body.
• A bank or financial services firm regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
• The person providing assurance must not be a relative or friend.

Not providing a statement on financial viability can delay the process even more, allow plenty of time to complete your statement so it doesn’t further delay an application.

So you’re ready to register!

So, you’ve got what you need, you’re ready to register. It’s important to thoroughly check you have everything required to open your new home or organisation. It’s a challenging sector to work in, but one that can be very rewarding and open so many doors for you!

CQC registration is just the first step and there are many more to come in setting up your own home care agency, residential care provider or other care service.