Update on how and when we’ll be introducing our new provider portal and regulatory approach.
What’s happening and when in 2023?
Earlier in the year we gave an update about our plans to change how we work in 2023. Our new approach includes assessing providers using the new assessment framework, supported by a new provider portal.
In August, we will invite a group of providers to log onto the new portal. They will be able to explore its functionality as part of a new range of digital services that make it easier to interact with us. We’ll roll out the new portal to all providers in phases from September. Each one will be invited onto the portal with their login details and guidance on how to use it.
Getting our digital services right is important to us. We want to streamline how we collect data to support our new approach to regulation, as this will help us assess in a smarter, more consistent way. The new portal plays a large part in helping to make that a reality and will make it easier for providers to share information with us.
In November, we plan to start to use our new assessment framework. This will be rolled out regionally, starting with providers in the South of England. Any assessments for these providers will be carried out using the new framework. We will schedule our assessments by considering factors such as the level of risk, so not all providers will have an immediate assessment.
In other regions, we’ll continue to use our current assessment framework until the roll-out of the new framework is complete.
CQC Chief Executive, Ian Trenholm said:
“These are two major milestones in delivering our strategy. Making our interactions with providers more streamlined and simpler is central in supporting them to deliver better care. Our new assessment approach will be more flexible and proportionate, and will be the driving force behind giving an up-to-date view of quality.”
What do providers need to do?
We will contact each provider when it is their time to join the new portal. In the meantime, we ask all providers to ensure that contact details for their organisation are up to date. This will ensure we invite the right people to join the new portal and keep them informed about the roll-out of the new regulatory approach.
We’ve updated our guidance about the changes in the way we regulate. All providers need to read this, as it will answer questions to help prepare for assessment under the new framework. We will continue to update this over the coming weeks and months.
Staying updated
The phased approach to assessments using the new framework, introducing the new provider portal and wider digital services, will continue into 2024. We’ll keep everyone informed, as we understand that providers and local health and care systems need time to prepare for the changes.
Make sure you’re signed up to receive our bulletins to get the latest information about our plans.
South of England
The South refers to services registered in these counties: Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Kent, Oxfordshire, Somerset, Surrey, Sussex and Wiltshire.