William Eichler 26 July 2024

Social care watchdog ‘not fit for purpose’

Social care watchdog ‘not fit for purpose’ image
Image: FOUR.STOCK / Shutterstock.com.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC), the body responsible for regulating adult social care services in England, is ‘not fit for purpose’, according to the health secretary.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting was responding to an independent review that identified ‘significant internal failings’ within the health and social care regulator.

The interim report, led by Dr Penny Dash, chair of the North West London Integrated Care Board, found the number of inspections being undertaken were well below pre-Covid levels.

It also revealed a lack of clinical expertise among inspectors, a lack of consistency in assessments and problems with the CQC’s IT system.

Commenting on her findings, Dr Dash said: ‘The contents of my interim report underscore the urgent need for comprehensive reform within the CQC.

‘By addressing these failings together, we can enhance the regulator's ability to inspect and rate the safety and quality of health and social care services across England.’

Mr Streeting commented: ‘When I joined the department, it was already clear that the NHS was broken and the social care system in crisis.

‘But I have been stunned by the extent of the failings of the institution that is supposed to identify and act on failings. It’s clear to me the CQC is not fit for purpose.’ Kate Terroni, CQC’s interim chief executive, said the regulator accepts in full the findings and recommendations of the report.

‘Many of these align with areas we have prioritised as part of our work to restore trust with the public and providers by listening better, working together more collaboratively and being honest about what we’ve got wrong,’ she said.

‘We are working at pace and in consultation with our stakeholders to rebuild that trust and become the strong, credible, and effective regulator of health and care services that the public and providers need and deserve.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Storytelling and Case Studies Officer

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Starting Salary from £43,545 FTE based on Skill
Job Title Storytelling and Cas... Wandsworth Town Hall/hybrid
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Head of Housing Development

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
UP to £116,847
Job Title- Head of Housing Development Salary – UP to £116,847 Permanent – Fulltime (36hours) Location- Wandsworth Town Hall, London Are you experienced in Local Government Housing Association/Development? If yes, you are invited to consider th Wandsworth, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Chief of Staff

Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk
up to £126,615
We’re transforming services with ambition and community at the heart of our work. Norfolk
Recuriter: Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk

Director of People

Lancashire County Council
£108,697 - £117,998
As a leader at Lancashire County Council, you’ll join an authority with real scale, courageous ambition and deep pride in place. County hall
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council

Director of Strategy and Transformation

Lancashire County Council
£108,697 - £117,998
As a leader at Lancashire County Council, you’ll join an authority with real scale, courageous ambition and deep pride in place. Preston, Lancashire
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council
Linkedin Banner