Dr Richard Dune

29-12-2023

Embracing change: The future of CQC's single assessment framework in 2024

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Reflecting on a year of change and growth: Navigating through transitions, challenges, and triumphs on the journey toward a brighter tomorrow

As 2023 draws to a close, health and social care providers across England reflect on a year marked by anticipation and adaptation. The introduction of the Care Quality Commission's (CQC) new SAF has been at the forefront of regulatory discourse, presenting both challenges and opportunities for the sector.

While the journey has been fraught with delays and complexities, the path is now clearer as we approach 2024, offering a more defined roadmap for compliance and quality care.

Understanding the Single Assessment Framework (SAF)

The SAF represents a significant shift in assessing care quality, moving towards a more detailed and dynamic approach. At its core, the framework retains the CQC's five foundational questions - is the service safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led?

However, it introduces quality statements and evidence categories, aiming to provide a comprehensive view of service standards. This nuanced methodology fosters a deeper understanding of care quality, reflecting provider services' complexities and varied contexts.

The impact of the new provider portal

A pivotal element of this transition is the launch of the new provider portal, set to revolutionise communication and data management between providers and the CQC.

This platform aims to streamline the process of sharing, validating, and commenting on the information in real-time, enhancing transparency and responsiveness. As providers get accustomed to this digital shift, the potential for more efficient and effective regulatory compliance becomes increasingly apparent.

The road ahead - What to expect in 2024

As we look to 2024, the SAF's full implementation will continue to unfold. The gradual regional rollout is set to be completed by early 2024, bringing a unified approach to quality assessment across England. Providers can expect continued support from the CQC, including detailed guidance and regular updates as they navigate this new landscape.

Enhanced agility and responsiveness

One of the most promising aspects of the SAF is its commitment to agility and responsiveness. The CQC aims to update ratings and assessments dynamically, reflecting changes in service quality more quickly than ever before.

This means that providers must be continuously vigilant and proactive in maintaining high standards of care, as the impact of improvements or declines in service quality will be more promptly reflected in their ratings.

Emphasis on comprehensive feedback

The new framework's significant focus is capturing a wide range of feedback, including the experiences of service users, relatives, and staff. This emphasis on diverse perspectives will enrich the assessment process and encourage providers to engage more deeply with their communities. Providers must be adept at collecting and acting on feedback, demonstrating their commitment to continuous improvement.

Preparing for the future

For providers, the advent of 2024 will be a time of continued learning and adaptation. Staying informed and engaged with the CQC's resources and guidance will be crucial. Providers should leverage the new portal to its fullest, ensuring they are part of the conversation about their services and are ready to respond to feedback and changes in their assessment.

Additionally, investing in staff training and development will be key to ensuring that everyone within the organisation understands and contributes to the SAF's goals.

Conclusion - A new era of quality care

As we move forward, the SAF represents not just a change in regulatory assessment but a broader shift towards a more transparent, responsive, and quality-focused healthcare and social care environment. The challenges of 2023 have set the stage for a more informed and prepared sector, ready to embrace the SAF's benefits and possibilities.

For providers, the message is clear: stay informed, stay engaged, and stay committed to quality care. The future holds the promise of a regulatory framework that not only better understands and reflects the complexities of care provision but also drives improvement through detailed insights and feedback. As we embark on this journey together, the ultimate goal remains unchanged - ensuring everyone receives the safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led care they deserve.

Confidently navigate the CQC’s new assessment framework with ComplyPlus™

With the CQC introducing a single assessment framework in 2024, healthcare providers must adapt to a more streamlined and transparent regulatory model.

ComplyPlus™ is built to help you manage this shift - by simplifying compliance processes, standardising documentation, and keeping your teams inspection-ready at all times.

Our accredited online CPD courses ensure staff stay up to date with the latest regulatory training, delivered in a flexible format that supports ongoing readiness and professional development.

Visit the CPD Certification Service Accreditation website to see why healthcare providers across the UK trust our CPD-certified training to support their compliance journey. From quality statements to evidence categories, ComplyPlus™ aligns with the new CQC framework - helping you embed best practice across your organisation.

Last updated on 24-05-2025