Introduction
Most homelessness services do not need to register with the CQC, only those which also provide certain health or social care activities defined as “regulated activities” under the Health and Social Care Act 2008, for example, drug and alcohol treatment or personal care.
In December 2023, CQC began rolling out its new single assessment framework, starting in the South region and with selected 'early adopter' providers. This framework maintains the existing five key questions and rating system but introduces quality statements to replace previous key lines of enquiry.
The Better regulation, better care consultation closed in December 2026 and the response has not yet been published.
The CQC has set out its improvement plans for 2026-28, including:
- Redesigning the entire regulatory process
- Testing the new assessment approach and technology with a range of providers.
- In summer 2026, publishing the final assessment framework(s) and developing guidance to support providers before starting to implement them at the end of the year.
Useful links
Government acts after report highlights failings at regulator - GOV.UK
Improving how we work - Care Quality Commission
Examples of specialist care services delivered by Homeless Link members were discussed on our Going Beyond podcast (17th Feb 2025).
