📢 CQC Assessment Framework – October 2026 Update

As many of you will be aware, CQC is developing a new assessment framework, with some significant changes proposed to how adult social care services will be assessed and rated.

We've put together a new CQC Assessment Framework Update Guide to help you understand what's changing, what's staying the same and, importantly, what you should be doing now.

The guide covers:

✅ The proposed move from 34 quality statements to 24 draft Key Lines of Enquiry (KLOEs).

✅ Changes to scoring and how ratings will be determined.

✅ What's staying the same, including the five key questions.

✅ CQC's separate Returning to Good assessment programme.

✅ Six practical steps managers can take to prepare.

So, do you need to start changing your systems and documentation?

Not yet! The new framework is still being developed, and the current assessment arrangements remain in place.

Our advice is to familiarise yourself with the proposals, but avoid unnecessary changes until CQC confirms the final framework and implementation arrangements.

You can find the new guide in our Regulatory & Compliance Classroom.

💬 We'd also love to hear your thoughts: Do you think the proposed changes will make CQC assessments clearer and more consistent, or do you have concerns about moving away from numerical scoring?

As always, we'll continue monitoring developments and sharing updates to help you stay informed and prepared.

Neil & Martin

Care Leaders Hub

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📢 CQC Assessment Framework – October 2026 Update