Sir Julian Hartley, Chief Executive of the Care Quality Commission, (CQC), shares his thoughts on the pressing need for a more effective regulatory approach in adult social care.
As we continue to navigate a time of significant change and challenge in adult social care, it’s clear that we need a more effective and responsive approach to regulation—one that not only maintains the highest standards of care for those who rely on these vital services but also actively supports providers in delivering them.
Feedback from the sector has made it clear that our regulatory model must evolve to better align with the realities of care provision. Many providers have told us that, at times, our processes have felt disconnected from the day-to-day challenges they face. We recognise that regulation should not just be about ratings or inspections but should serve as a tool for partnership and support—working alongside you to drive positive outcomes for the people you care for.
At CQC, we are committed to a regulatory approach that fosters collaboration and engagement. This means recognising the diverse needs and challenges across the sector and ensuring our regulatory framework is adaptable and effective. We’ve learned from past experiences where we placed too much emphasis on process, and now we’re focusing on what truly matters: the people receiving care and the professionals who provide it.
One of the key ways we’re achieving this shift is by strengthening our relationships with providers. We want to be there when you need guidance, offering support rather than simply oversight. That’s why we are ensuring that our inspectors are equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide constructive feedback and practical advice. At the same time, we remain committed to holding services to account when necessary. Safeguarding people from harm and upholding high standards of care will always be at the core of our work. However, we firmly believe that fostering a culture of learning and improvement—rather than fear of punitive action—leads to better, long-term outcomes for the sector.
To support this, we continue to invest in developing guidance, resources, and best-practice case studies that enable providers to learn from one another and implement meaningful improvements. From leadership development to innovative care practices, we want to be a trusted source of knowledge and support, ensuring that services feel equipped to navigate challenges and embrace new opportunities. After all, care is a shared responsibility, and fostering collaboration within the sector is essential for achieving the best outcomes.
Looking to the future, our approach to regulation will continue to evolve in response to the changing landscape of adult social care. We are working towards a more agile and responsive regulatory model—one that not only maintains high standards but also encourages services to innovate and improve. Our goal is to create an environment where providers feel empowered to deliver outstanding care, knowing they have a regulator that supports and enables their efforts.
The changes we are making at CQC are just the beginning. We are committed to building a regulatory system that ensures safety and quality while championing a culture of continuous improvement across the sector. We know that change takes time, but we are dedicated to getting this right—working alongside you every step of the way.
I want to thank all adult social care providers for your commitment to those who need care. Together, I believe we can create a system that not only supports the very best quality care for all but also meets today’s challenges while laying the foundation for a stronger, more resilient future.
