5 Essential Tips for Fast-Tracking Your CQC Registration
When entering the home care sector as a business owner, one of the most critical steps is obtaining registration with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Whether you’re new to the industry or have researched homecare franchise opportunities, you’ve likely heard about delays in CQC registrations. Many don’t realise, however, that these delays often stem from application errors that lead to rejections—not just from internal backlogs at the CQC.
Sylvian Care was established in 2014, after obtaining CQC registration for its first pilot location in Reading. Since then, we have grown to 29 locations across the UK, achieving a 100% CQC registration success rate for franchisees who have followed our system and completed our training programme in full.
Navigating CQC registration can be challenging, so to support prospective franchisees, we’ve prepared five essential tips to fast-track your registration process without further delays.
1. Study the CQC Guidance
Begin by thoroughly reading the CQC’s official guidance on registration. This guidance provides a clear roadmap, outlining each step and the requirements for each stage. Familiarising yourself with this information will help you avoid common mistakes and save valuable time in the long run, setting you on a path to faster approval.
2. Identify Key Personnel Early
Establish your organisation’s key roles as soon as possible, particularly the Registered Manager and the Nominated Individual. These individuals are essential to each stage of the CQC registration process, and their experience and qualifications are key factors in the application’s success. Appointing these roles early ensures that you’re well-prepared for a smoother application process.
3. Register with Companies House
Although the CQC doesn’t explicitly require providers to be registered as a limited company, they do expect organisations to have a structured legal entity that demonstrates accountability. For home care providers, incorporating as a limited company is generally the most suitable option, as it aligns with the CQC’s standards for professionalism and accountability. If you’re considering purchasing a home care franchise, setting up as a limited company is essential, as franchisors generally require this structure to streamline operations and maintain consistent standards across the network.
4. Organise DBS Checks in Advance
DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks are a core part of the registration process, but they can take months to process in some instances. Apply for these checks well in advance, particularly for the Registered Manager, who needs a countersigned DBS unless they are a registered nurse (the CQC offers specific guidance for this exception). Preparing these checks ahead of time helps prevent delays that could otherwise slow down your application.
5. Secure an Appropriate Office Location
The CQC requires a dedicated office location suitable for managing home care operations. This location must be equipped to securely store records and maintain client confidentiality. Garages, sheds, or personal residences typically do not meet these standards, as they lack the necessary security measures and infrastructure. Consider a location that is easily accessible for clients and care professionals, ensuring it has dedicated spaces for secure file storage
In Conclusion
Navigating the CQC registration process requires careful planning and a structured approach. Start by understanding the CQC’s guidance, identify your key personnel, establish an appropriate legal structure, prepare DBS checks well in advance, and secure a professional office space. By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to meet the CQC’s standards and avoid common delays, ensuring an efficient and successful registration process.
About the Author
Cristina Grancea, CEO of Sylvian Care, holds a degree in Social Work and a Master’s in Psychology. With eight years as a social worker and ten years leading a home care agency, Cristina is passionate about empowering purpose-driven, aspiring business owners to create relationship-based home care services that prioritise excellence. Her mission is to help them make a meaningful impact in their communities while achieving the financial freedom they aspire to.
