What is CQC (Care Quality Commission)?

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator of health and social care services in England. It registers, inspects and rates providers — including NHS hospitals, GP surgeries, care homes, dental practices and independent health providers — against five key questions: is the service safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led? Each service receives a rating of Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement or Inadequate, which is published on the CQC website and must be displayed at the premises. Operating a regulated activity without CQC registration is a criminal offence.