CQC registration:
the how to guide for homecare businesses

Getting your CQC registration as a new homecare business

Sure, CQC registration is a mandatory legal requirement. but registering with the CQC also gives you access to amazing resources that can help you deliver the best care possible.

The application process for CQC registration takes time. So make sure to plan ahead to make sure it’s complete before you start to provide any care.

Read on to find out the best ways to keep on top of the CQC application process, legal requirements and expectations after registering!

Legal requirements of CQC registration

• The Care Quality Commission was introduced in 2009 to regulate health and social care providers to ensure high standards of care.
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• Its regulations are based on the Health and Social Care Act 2008, which sets out the fundamental care delivery requirements.
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• Any health or social care provider in England must register with the CQC by law. Your registration must be complete before you can start to provide care legally, so leave plenty of time to apply! If you begin to care for clients before you’re fully registered, you’ll be breaking the law.

How long does CQC registration take?

• As a guide, preparing for your application involves setting up processes and systems, employing staff, and carrying out DBS checks. This can take several weeks, so leave at least two months preparation time!
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• Once preparations are done, and you’re ready to apply, the application itself can take between 2 to 8 hours to complete.
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• The way you need to register depends on whether you are taking over an existing home care agency and keeping the current managers in post - or starting a new home care agency with new managers. Make sure you choose the correct route for your home care agency to speed up the application process!

Show your competence as a manager

You must be able to show that all registered managers are competent and qualified for the role.

The CQC will ask to see written proof of qualifications and further training, including safeguarding, mental capacity, consent, and medication management. Additional supporting evidence could include references from past employers and documented relevant experience.

Managers will also need a DBS check countersigned by the CQC, which can take up to 8 weeks to obtain.

Understand the relevant legislation

You must be able to show good understanding and experience of the relevant laws around delivering care.

These are the Health and Social Care Act 2008 and the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards.

Show that you have suitable premises

Even though you’ll deliver domiciliary care in people’s homes, you still need to show the CQC that your office base is suitable for managing the service.

The space must meet health and safety requirements to keep staff safe, and you need to be able to store records securely to maintain client confidentiality.

Prove that your service is financially viable

The CQC needs to know that you have the funds to provide ongoing care for your clients.

Prove financial viability with a statement letter from an accountant, bank, or service listed with the Financial Conduct Authority.

Read more about the information to include in your statement letter here.

Write your statement of purpose

Your statement of purpose must include the details of your business, aims and objectives, details of registered managers, and where you intend to provide care.

It’s important to get your statement of purpose right - incomplete information will hold up your application.

Understand the CQC regulations

Familiarise yourself with the fundamental standards and the Key Lines of Enquiry (KLOEs) set out by the CQC.

These frameworks cover every aspect of what good care looks like and how you can provide evidence of this in your home care agency.

Getting CQC registered: a checklist

Before you apply, make sure you've done the following:

Show how you can meet the KLOEs and fundamental standards

Make sure your premises are fit for purpose. They must meet health and safety regulations and have secure storage for client records!

Gather evidence that demonstrates the competency of your registered manager.

Get a statement letter from an accountant or bank to prove your financial viability.

Read through the Health and Social Care Act and the Mental Capacity Act and show how you meet requirements.

Write your statement of purpose.

Did you know the CQC loves Birdie?

The CQC highly values the use of technology that helps your service deliver high standards of care.

We've designed Birdie technology to help home care agencies comply with regulations that support the CQC registration process!

If you're looking for a homecare technology partner for care management, rostering, finance, auditing or more. why not book a free demo with Birdie?