How we will regulate

Our new approach to assessment

Our new framework is for providers, local authorities and systems. It focuses on what matters to people who use health and social care services and their families. It will let us provide an up-to-date view of quality.

It covers all sectors, service types and levels – from registration, to how we look at local authorities and integrated care systems.

Our framework

• Ratings and the five key questions remain
• Quality statements focus on specific topic areas under key question. They set clear expectations of providers, based on people’s experiences and the standards of care they expect. They replace our key lines of enquiry (KLOEs), prompts and ratings characteristics.
• We’re introducing six new evidence categories to organise information under the statements
• Registration is also based on this framework. It is the first assessment activity for providers in an integrated process.

How we will use it

We will

• use a range of information to assess providers flexibly and frequently. Assessment is not tied to set dates or driven by a previous rating
• collect evidence on an ongoing basis and can update ratings at any time. This helps us respond more flexibly to changes in risk
• tailor our assessment to different types of providers and services
• score evidence to make our judgements more structured and consistent
• use inspections (site visits) as a vital tool to gather evidence to assess quality
• use data and insight to decide which services to visit. When on site, we will observe care and talk to staff and people who use services
• produce shorter and simpler reports, showing the most up-to-date assessment

People’s experiences of health and care services

We encourage people who use services, and organisations acting on their behalf, to share their experiences.

Give feedback on care

Find out about the importance of people's experience in our regulation.