Review into the operational effectiveness of the Care Quality Commission: interim report

The interim chief executive of CQC is already making progress towards redressing poor operational performance including bringing in more staff, particularly those with prior experience of working in CQC . CQC should agree operational performance targets or KPIs in key areas, in conjunction with DHSC , to drive and track progress. In addition, consideration should be given to moving the nascent ICS assessment team to other sectors given the delays in starting ICS assessment work.

CQC will need to set out how, and by when, it will make the changes required. CQC should also ensure that there is far more consideration given to working with providers to seek feedback on progress.

There is an urgent need to appoint highly regarded senior clinicians as chief inspector of hospitals and chief inspector of primary and community care. Working closely with the chief inspectors and the national professional advisors, there should be rapid moves to rebuild sector expertise in all teams. The review heard a strong message from providers across sectors about the opportunity to create a sense of pride and incentive in working as a specialist advisor with CQC . Consideration should be given to a programme whereby the top performing managers (from across health and social care) along with carers and clinicians are appointed or apply to become assessors for 1 to 2 weeks a year with high accolade being given to being accepted on the programme. The leadership team of CQC - which should include the 3 chief inspectors - should rebuild relationships across the health and care sectors, share progress being made on improvements to CQC and continually seek input.

There needs to be a wholescale review of the SAF to address the concerns raised above. Specifically, to:

The approach used to calculate ratings should be transparent and clearly explained on CQC ’s website. It should be clear to all providers and all users. The use of multi-year assessments in calculating ratings and in reports should be re-considered and greater transparency given to how these are being used in the meantime.