Do Supported Living Providers Need to Register with CQC? A Practical Guide
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Do Supported Living Services Need to Register with CQC?
Supported living itself is not a regulated activity — but if your service provides personal care, you must register with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Many supported living providers work in partnership with housing associations, offering care and support in people’s own homes. When personal care is involved, CQC registration is a legal requirement.
Which Regulated Activity Applies?
The correct regulated activity is usually:
- Personal Care – support with washing, dressing, eating, etc. provided in a person’s own home
You do not need to register for “Accommodation for persons requiring personal care” unless you run a care home.
Step-by-Step: How to Register a Supported Living Service
- Define your service model – Describe how your care and housing arrangements are structured
- Prepare your documents – You’ll need a Statement of Purpose, business plan, location details, and a full policy set
- Appoint a Registered Manager – This person must be suitably experienced and involved in daily oversight
- Apply via the CQC Provider Portal – Complete the online application and upload supporting documents
- Attend a Fit Person Interview – CQC will assess your readiness to run a safe and well-led service
Top Tips for a Smooth Application
- Get your documents right – Policies, Statement of Purpose, and governance documents must be tailored to supported living
- Be clear on your role – If you’re not the landlord, explain how housing is arranged separately
- Appoint your manager early – Applications are stronger when both provider and manager are named and prepared
Need Help?
Impact Guru Ltd supports new providers to complete strong CQC applications — including supported living services across England.
We offer a full CQC Registration Toolkit designed to make your application easier — including policies, Statement of Purpose template, governance documents, and more.
We also provide individual CQC policy templates, Statement of Purpose guidance, and one-to-one consultancy for supported living setups.
For wider business planning, we also offer downloadable social care strategies to support your growth, compliance, and sustainability.
Written by Mike Harrison, Founder of Impact Guru Ltd — specialists in bid writing and strategy for social care providers
Visit impact-guru.co.uk to browse downloadable strategies, method statements, or get in touch about tender support.