To complain or not to complain to the CQC? (22 May 2025)

Summary

Where providers feel they have recently encountered poor or unprofessional behaviour from an inspector during a CQC inspection, they might consider whether to make a formal complaint to the Care Quality Commission.

Whilst some providers may not wish to rock the boat or believe their complaint will not be taken seriously, the fact remains that all regulators (CQC, Ofsted, GMC etc) are required to act professionally and in accordance with their stipulated procedures and the principles of fairness, proportionality and accountability. These requirements not only apply to the regulator but extend to their staff members and those working for the CQC, none of whom are beyond reproach when it comes to a complaint.

This article from HCR Law, looks at what the CQC can and can not investigate.