CQC introduces ‘Returning to Good’

9 August 2026
in Recent News

The CQC has introduced a new “Returning to Good” assessment approach for adult social care services that are already rated Good and where data and intelligence suggest standards have been maintained.

Rather than carrying out a full assessment, inspectors will take a more proportionate, risk based approach, focusing on people’s experiences, outcomes, observations and targeted evidence.

For providers, this is a useful reminder that maintaining a good rating isn’t just about having policies and paperwork in place. It’s about consistently delivering safe, effective, person-centred care every day.

Now is a good time to ask:

• Do our quality assurance processes tell us what is really happening in our service?

• Are we identifying issues before they become regulatory concerns?

• Can we demonstrate that improvements are embedded, not just documented? Strong governance should provide confidence long before an assessment takes place.

CQC introduces ‘Returning to Good’

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