How we monitor, inspect and rate
We make sure care services are safe, caring, effective, responsive and well-led.
What we do
We monitor, inspect and regulate services to make sure they meet fundamental standards of quality and safety and we publish what we find, including performance ratings to help people choose care.
Standards of care
We set out what good and outstanding care looks like and we make sure services meet fundamental standards below which care must never fall.
What are the fundamental standards?
Where we find poor care, we will use our powers to take action.
How we work
How we use information
We use information and evidence throughout our work, including people's views and experiences of care.
How we work with people
We work closely with the public, other organisations and local groups across everything we do.
Special inspections and visits
We carry out a range of inspections and visits in addition to our regular regulation and inspection programme.
Who we regulate
Hospitals
We inspect both NHS trusts and independent hospitals.
GPs and doctors
We inspect GP practices, walk-in centres and out-of-hours services.
Care homes
We inspect care homes across England, including residential and nursing homes.
Other services we regulate include dentists, ambulances and mental health services. Browse the full list.
