A law firm with a different perspective

The Care Quality Commission

Established in April 2009, CQC has now entered its second decade, lasting longer than its predecessors and seemingly here to stay for the long-term. Regulating tens of thousands of health and social care services across England, CQC is a risk-based regulator that is required to protect and promote the welfare of service users and assure the public as to the standard of registered services.

At Gordons Partnership, we have a specialist Health and Social Care Provider Team led by Neil Grant who has over 25 years’ experience working in the sector. As CQC lawyers, our clients include care homes, home care agencies, supported living services, GPs, dentists, independent hospitals and private clinics.

Our expertise enables us to advise clients on the following areas:

  • The CQC registration journey. A provider cannot operate lawfully without CQC registration. We assist clients in obtaining CQC registration, whether they are new to the sector or wish to add additional services to their portfolio.
  • CQC Inspection. Registered services are subject to the full rigour of CQC inspection at periodic intervals. We support clients through the inspection process, including responding to CQC inspection reports. On a regular basis, we secure changes to inspection reports, including improved CQC ratings.
  • CQC Compliance. We work with our clients in addressing compliance issues, often alongside specialist care consultants with whom we have a longstanding relationship. Equally, where the facts and evidence do not support an alleged breach of regulation, we support our clients in challenging CQC in a polite but firm manner.
  • CQC Enforcement. CQC has a wide range of enforcement powers ranging from prosecution to cancellation of registration. We defend providers subject to CQC regulatory action, always seeking to resolve matters as quickly as possible.

Neil Grant writes:

An in-depth understanding of CQC’s jurisdiction and methodologies is essential in order to advise providers effectively. At the same time, it is critical to put in place a strategy and plan at the outset, linked to the evidence and an informed assessment of risk. Each case is unique and has to be judged on its own merits. Our approach is based on cooperation, respect and collaboration but we are always assertive in defending our clients’ interests.

Please feel to contact Neil Grant for a free, no-obligation discussion. Our paramount concern is to assist health and social care providers requiring regulatory and commercial advice.