Questions we are often asked
Clear answers about registration, the regulators and how we work. Type a word to find what you need.
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Getting started
Which regulator do I register with?
Adult social care, such as Domiciliary Care, Supported Living and Care Homes, is registered with CQC. Children's Homes and 16+ Supported Accommodation are registered with Ofsted. Our registration checker on the homepage gives you a quick answer, and we confirm it at your discovery call.
What happens at a discovery call?
We talk through what you are planning, where you are now and what you want to achieve. You come away knowing which registration you need, what the process involves and what to do first. There is no obligation to go further.
Do I need premises before I start?
Not always. For Domiciliary Care, CQC registers the office you run the service from. For a Children's Home or 16+ Supported Accommodation, Ofsted assesses a specific property, so you will need one before you apply. We help you plan the order so you do not commit too early.
Do you work across the whole UK?
Our registration work is for services in England, where CQC and Ofsted are the regulators. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own regulators. Our websites, IT and business strategy work is available UK-wide.
CQC registration
Can I provide care while my CQC application is assessed?
No. Carrying on a regulated activity without CQC registration is an offence under section 10 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008. You can recruit, train and prepare, but care cannot start until you are registered.
Do I need a Registered Manager before I apply to CQC?
For most services, yes. CQC expects a manager who will apply to become the Registered Manager at the same time.
Who is the Nominated Individual?
The person a company nominates to be responsible for supervising how the regulated activity is managed. They are usually a director or senior leader and may be interviewed by CQC.
Do I have to show my CQC rating?
Yes. Once rated, providers must display their most recent CQC rating at their premises and on their website.
Ofsted registration
Can a child move in while my Ofsted application is assessed?
No. Running a Children's Home without registration is an offence under section 11 of the Care Standards Act 2000, including while your application is being processed.
What is the difference between a Children's Home and 16+ Supported Accommodation?
A Children's Home provides care and accommodation. 16+ Supported Accommodation provides accommodation and support for looked-after young people and care leavers aged 16 and 17, but not care. If young people need care, the setting has to be a Children's Home.
What is a location risk assessment?
An assessment of the area around a Children's Home and the risks it may pose to children, with how you will manage them. Ofsted expects one before registration and expects you to review it.
Who is the Responsible Individual?
The person an organisation appoints to supervise the management of its Children's Home or Supported Accommodation. Ofsted assesses their fitness, usually through an interview.
Fees and working with us
How much does registration support cost?
We quote a fixed fee after your discovery call, once we know which registration you need and what is already in place. The fee and what it covers are agreed in writing before any work starts.
What costs are not included?
Regulator fees, DBS checks, planning applications, premises costs and similar third-party charges are paid separately. We make these clear at the start.
Can you guarantee my registration?
No. CQC and Ofsted make registration decisions, and no consultant can guarantee the outcome. What we guarantee is thorough preparation: documents checked against the current regulations, interviews rehearsed and queries answered on time.
Do you support providers after registration?
Yes. Many clients keep working with us for mock inspections, audits, training, business strategy and their website.