Summary
This article explains the usual timeline between receiving a Notice of Proposal (NOP) and a Notice of Decision (NOD). It outlines what happens during that period, what to expect from the regulator, and how providers can use the time to their advantage.
One of the first questions I’m asked when a provider receives a Notice of Proposal is: “How long until we hear back?”
It’s a fair question — but unfortunately, there isn’t a simple answer. The timeline between a Notice of Proposal and a Notice of Decision depends on several factors.
That said, there are general patterns worth knowing.
You Have 28 Days to Respond
Once you receive a Notice of Proposal, you have 28 days to submit your representations. This is your formal response to the regulator, setting out your position and evidence.
During this time, the regulator will usually wait for your response before doing anything else. If you don’t respond, they will simply move on to issuing a Notice of Decision once the 28 days pass.
What Happens After You Submit Representations?
Once your response is submitted, the regulator needs to review it. This is where the waiting begins.
The regulator will:
- Review the documents you’ve provided
- Consider whether your representations address the concerns raised
- Decide whether to stick with their original proposal or withdraw it
There is no set legal deadline for this part. How long it takes depends on their internal workload, the complexity of your case, and how clearly you’ve presented your position.
Typical Waiting Times
Some decisions come faster, others take longer. If your case involves complex facts or multiple notices (e.g. for both the provider and the manager), the wait may be extended.
What You Can Do During the Wait
The waiting period can feel frustrating — but it’s not wasted time. Here’s how to make use of it:
- Work on the service — Put improvements in place, even if enforcement is ongoing.
- Gather evidence — Document any changes made since the inspection.
- Speak to a consultant — External advice can help show the regulator that change is underway.
- Prepare for both outcomes — Think about your appeal position in case the NOD arrives.
Even though the decision is technically still pending, your actions now can influence outcomes later — particularly if they show genuine effort to put things right.
Why Does It Take So Long?
Regulators are under pressure. Teams handling representations are separate from those who conducted the inspection. That means the people reviewing your case need to:
- Read all inspection findings
- Read your representations
- Decide whether the legal threshold for enforcement has been met
This isn’t a quick task — and it shouldn’t be. But that doesn’t mean you can’t ask for updates or try to move things along.
When to submit further representations
If the regulator is taking a long time to respond and you wish to add further evidence, there is nothing to stop you submitting addendum representations. Useful things to include can be:
- Updated action plans
- Inspection reports from a consultant demonstrating improvements
- Additional evidence of changes that have been implemented
The time between a Notice of Proposal and a Notice of Decision can feel slow — but that doesn’t mean you’re powerless.
Use the time wisely. Improve the service. Prepare for what’s next. And stay one step ahead of the paperwork.
About the Author
Associate
Tel: 01483 451 900
Email: Lucy@gordonsols.co.uk