CQC Assessment Framework

Background

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England. Through inspecting, monitoring and regulating services, the CQC aims to make sure health and social care services provide people with safe, effective, compassionate and high-quality care.

In 2023, a new assessment framework was introduced. This framework applies to providers, local authorities and integrated care systems.

Assurance of Local Authority Adult Services

Local authority assessments will be distinct, in that they will focus on the statutory duties contained in the Care Act. The local authority assessments will use quality statements to look at the following four themes:

1. working with people – look at assessing needs and supporting people to live healthier lives;
2. providing support – care provision, integration and continuity and partnerships and communities;
3. ensuring safety – safe systems, pathways and transitions and safeguarding;
4. leadership and workforce – governance, management and sustainability and learning, improvement and innovation.

CQC Quality Statements Full List by Themes (pdf, opens in new window)

Publications and Resources for Local Authorities

CQC publications

• Local Authority Assessments
• Assessment Framework for Local Authority Assurance
• Local Authority Assessment Reports

Easy Read

• What the CQC is checking at all health and social care services

CQC podcasts and presentations

• Local Authority Assessments Webinar (CQC YouTube) 
• Local Authority Question and Answer Session with Community Care (CQC YouTube) 
• Local Authority Assessment – Test and Learn (CQC Connect Podcast) 
• Local Authority Assessments Webinar (CQC – YouTube)

Other useful information

• Learning from the first wave: reflections from directors of adult services who have completed their CQC assessment(Local Government Association, Partners in Health and Social Care)
• An analysis of local authority CQC assessment reports: What does ‘good’ look like? (Local Government Association, Partners in Health and Social Care)
• Care Quality Commission assessments for adult social care: Must know guide for lead members (Local Government Association, Partners in Health and Social Care)
• The Return of the Regulator – What Adult Social Care Needs to Know (Local Government Association, Partners in Health and Social Care)
• Top Tips for CQC Assurance Preparation (Local Government Association, Partners in Health and Social Care)
• Learning from the Care Quality Commission Pilots for Principal Social Workers (Local Government Association, Partners in Health and Social Care)
• A Practical Resource to Help Principal Social Workers Prepare for Care Quality Commission Assessment (Local Government Association, Partners in Health and Social Care)

Summaries

• What does good look like (Summary, Policy Partners February 2025)
• Learning from the first wave (Summary, Policy Partners February 2025)
• Assessment of Local Authority Adult Services (Summary, Policy Partners)
• Assessment Framework for Local Authority Assurance (Summary, Policy Partners)

Local authority framework: guidance and suggested best practice resources

• CQC LA Framework: Guidance and Suggested Best Practice Resources