The independent regulator of health
and social care in England

Update from CQC

A regular update for providers and professionals working in primary medical and dental services

28 March 2024

New blog from Ian Trenholm

CQCs Chief Executive, Ian Trenholm, talks about the feedback weve received about the roll out of our new regulatory approach and what were doing with it.

Ian reflects on what providers have told us is working well and what needs to be improved and updates on some changes to our approach based on your feedback.

In particular, Ian shares an update on the number of quality statements we'll look at in our assessments. Updating that when carrying out an assessment of a service that is either inadequate or requires improvement all quality statements under the key question that are rated inadequate or requires improvement will be reviewed.

CQC and Healthwatch England launch 'Share for Better Care' campaign

Text at the top of the image reads: "#ShareForBetterCare", under text an image of a nurse talking to a elderly woman in a wheelchair, right-hand side of the image text reads in a speech bubble: "Together we can improve health and adult social care". Right-hand corner text reads: Care Quality Commission

People are more likely to feedback about commercial services and products than their experiences of health and social care, according to new research we commissioned with Healthwatch England (HWE).

We have launched ourShare For Better Carecampaign which aims to encourage everyone togive feedback on their experiences of care, focusing on people more likely to experience poorer care and inequalities who are less likely to give their feedback. Through our public awareness campaign we aim to show the public how feedback is used by CQC and HWE to make improvements to the health and social care system.

Together, we can improve health and adult social care, knowing about your experiences of care helps us make a real difference. Join the conversation on X using #ShareForbetterCare

Help support our campaign using the materials in this stakeholder toolkit here.

Get involved and share your story with us!

NHS GP Staff Survey 2024

A notepad with four different coloured boxes on the page displayed, with the word 'feedback' written across the top. Each coloured box includes a small speech bubble and a smiley face within, from a happy smilewy face to a sad smiley face. There is a hand holding a pencil hovering above the pad.

The annual NHS Staff Survey is already well established in trusts. Gaining an insight into working experiences and what staff think about when working in a particular NHS trust is invaluable; both from the perspective of the work culture and the delivery of safe and effective care.

A general practice staff survey has been developed and the first cohort of practices have taken part. Unlike the secondary care staff survey, taking part is not mandatory, and so, integrated care boards (ICBs) should volunteer to take part, and then practices can opt-in to taking part. The development and availability of the General Practice Staff Survey (GPSS) is welcome and timely.

Using our new regulatory model, the staff survey links clearly to the evidence category of listening to staff within the single assessment framework. A GP practice that takes part in the staff survey and is able to demonstrate that it is keen to understand the views of its staff to improve the workplace culture, and improve the delivery of safe and effective care, is viewed positively by CQC.

Improving fairness in practitioner performance management

In the top left, it says 'Lived experience research', with the NHS Resolution logo in the right corner. Below, there is a picture of a surgeon looking out a window, with the words 'Access the resources and research on our website' below.

NHS ResolutionsPractitioner Performance Advice servicehas published focused research and resources aimed specifically at understanding ethnic minority and international medical graduates (IMGs) practitioners experience of performance management, and at improving fairness for all practitioners undergoing such management.

Discrimination and bullying were themes emerging in the research. Resources include an Insights summary report and case studies. The service is committed to achieving meaningful change and has drawn up an initial action plan and is working with partners across the health system. Employers and health organisations are asked to review and reflect on the research and to use the published resources to support decision making when dealing with performance concerns.

Practitioners are signposted to information on the support Practitioner Performance Advice can offer them.

The AI and Digital Regulation Service first anniversary

'AIDRS first anniversary', written on a blue background with the logos of the different partners along the bottom, and the picture of a woman looking at a coputer screen, the reflection of the screen glowing across her glasses.

Other news

• We've published the final blog in our series sharing learning from the Supported Living Improvement Coalition. This time, we talk about the final 2 factors Coalition partners told us affected quality in supported living. Read the blog and share your thoughts on our online participation platform.

• The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is warning people not to buy counterfeit or unbranded anti-choking devices as they do not comply with device regulations and could cause harm. If you have anti-choking devices available in your service, check that they are genuine. A product comparison with photos highlighting the differences between a genuine and a counterfeit device can be found in MHRA's Device Safety Information alert.Do not use the device if you suspect it is counterfeit. Pleasesubmit a Yellow Card reportif you have previously used a counterfeit or unbranded device and it failed to work, including details of where you bought the product.