Earlier in the year the CQC revealed initial details of its new ways of working in 2023, which includes assessing providers using a new framework, supported by a new provider portal – usage of which begins this month.

During August the organisation will invite a group of providers to log onto the new portal, where they will be able to explore its functionality as part of a new range of digital services that make it easier to interact.

The CQC says it will roll out the new portal to all providers in phases from September. Each one will be invited onto the portal with their login details and guidance on how to use it.

The CQC says it wants to streamline how it collects data to support a new approach to regulation, as this will help it assess in a smarter, more consistent way. The new portal plays a large part in helping to make that a reality and will make it easier for providers to share information.

In November, the CQC plans to start to use the new assessment framework. This will be rolled out regionally, starting with providers in the South of England. Any assessments for these providers will be carried out using the new framework. It will schedule assessments by considering factors such as the level of risk, so not all providers will have an immediate assessment.

In other regions, the CQC will continue to use its current assessment framework until the roll-out of the new framework is complete.

CQC Chief Executive Ian Trenholm said:  “These are two major milestones in delivering our strategy. Making our interactions with providers more streamlined and simpler is central in supporting them to deliver better care. Our new assessment approach will be more flexible and proportionate, and will be the driving force behind giving an up-to-date view of quality.”