How to Align Your Quality Systems with Both CQC and Commissioner Expectations

Social care providers are under pressure from both CQC and local commissioners — but often they want different things. So how do you build one quality system that keeps both regulators happy?

🎯 Start with a Unified Framework

Split systems waste time and create confusion. Instead, create a shared framework that:

• Aligns with CQC’s five key questions (Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive, Well-led)
• Includes outcome-focused indicators for commissioner reporting
• Uses one governance structure with clear oversight

📈 Capture Data That Serves Both

Design your monitoring tools so the same data feeds both compliance and improvement:

• Safeguarding trends — for CQC and contract monitoring
• Complaints analysis — for both inspection and commissioner reviews
• Audit results — to support Quality Assurance and reporting obligations

📄 Tailor the Presentation

It’s okay to say the same thing in different ways:

• Use commissioner language: “cost-effectiveness”, “value-based outcomes”, “place-based care”
• Use CQC terms: “regulatory compliance”, “evidence-based practice”, “responsive to need”

Same system. Different emphasis.