Guide
The CQC registration process: steps, requirements and timing
Updated
Registration is an evidence exercise: you are proving, before you trade, that the service will be safe and well-led. Here is the sequence.
What you need before applying
- Registered manager
- Most regulated activities require a registered manager, a named individual who meets the fit-person requirements and applies for their own registration alongside the provider's.
- Enhanced DBS checks
- Countersigned by the CQC for the registered manager and, for individual and partnership providers, the applicants themselves.
- Statement of purpose
- A formal document stating what services you will provide, where, and for whom, required by the 2009 registration regulations and referenced throughout the application.
- Nominated individual
- For organisations: the person responsible for supervising the management of the regulated activity.
- Policies and evidence
- Safeguarding, medicines, complaints, governance, mapped to the fundamental standards in the 2014 Regulations.
The application and assessment
New-provider applications are made on the CQC's downloadable application forms and returned by email, with the registered manager forms submitted at the same time (cqc.org.uk). The CQC assesses whether you will meet the fundamental standards, and will normally interview the proposed registered manager (and may interview the nominated individual). Expect questions on safeguarding, medicines, staffing and how you will know the service is working, the same territory as a first inspection (cqc.org.uk: registering as a new provider).
How long it takes
The CQC does not publish a target time. Its own guidance says only that "our registration process is rigorous and can take some time" and that it "can take a few months", and that you cannot manage the regulated activity until registration is confirmed (cqc.org.uk). Two things do have stated timings: a CQC-countersigned enhanced DBS check can take up to 60 working days, and if you cannot agree a date for assessment activity within 28 days of being contacted your application may be returned. Do not sign leases or hire staff against a fixed registration date.
Not sure you need to register at all? Run the checker first, registering for an activity you do not carry on is its own compliance burden.