Care Home Registration Simplification: July 2025 Changes

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has announced significant changes to the care home registration process, which came into effect in July 2025. These changes are designed to streamline the application process for care providers while maintaining the high standards of care that residents deserve.

We’re also excited to share that Lidder Care has recently gained registration for our new home care service—an important achievement that makes this the perfect time to discuss what these changes mean for providers like us.

What’s Changed?

From 1st July 2025, care home providers no longer need to submit certain documents with their CQC registration applications. This represents a major simplification of what has traditionally been a complex and document-heavy process.

Documents No Longer Required

The CQC has removed the requirement for several supporting documents that were previously mandatory during the registration process. While the CQC hasn’t specified exactly which documents have been removed, this change affects the supporting documents section of registration applications.

Home Care Providers First

Interestingly, the CQC initially implemented this change for home care (domiciliary care) providers, stating that from 1st July 2025, these providers “no longer need to submit this document with your application.” The success of this approach for home care providers has now been extended to residential care home applications.

Why These Changes Were Made

Reducing Administrative Burden

The CQC recognised that the registration process had become overly bureaucratic, with providers spending significant time and resources compiling documentation that may not directly impact care quality. By removing unnecessary paperwork, the CQC aims to:

• Speed up the registration process for new care homes
• Reduce costs for providers during the application phase
• Allow providers to focus on what matters most – preparing to deliver excellent care

Maintaining Standards

It’s important to note that while the documentation requirements have been simplified, the CQC’s fundamental standards remain unchanged. Care homes must still demonstrate they can meet all regulatory requirements, including:

• Safe care delivery
• Effective treatment and support
• Caring and compassionate staff
• Responsive services
• Well-led management

How These Changes Benefit Residents and Families

The CQC’s streamlined registration process isn’t just good news for care providers – it brings real benefits for residents and their families too.

Faster Access to Quality Care

With quicker registration processes, new care homes can open sooner, helping to address capacity shortages in many areas. This means families searching for care have more options and shorter waiting times for quality placements.

Focus on What Matters Most

By removing bureaucratic barriers, care providers can dedicate more time and resources to what really matters – preparing excellent care services, training staff thoroughly, and creating welcoming environments where residents can thrive.

Maintained Standards with Better Efficiency

The streamlined process maintains all the safety and quality standards that protect residents, while making the system more efficient. This means families can still trust that registered care homes meet the highest regulatory standards.

Innovation and Choice

Lower administrative barriers may encourage more providers to enter the market, potentially bringing fresh approaches to care delivery and giving families more choice when selecting the right care home for their loved ones.

What This Means for Care Home Providers

Faster Application Process

The streamlined process should result in:

• Quicker application submissions with fewer documents to prepare
• Faster CQC processing times with less paperwork to review
• Reduced administrative costs during the pre-opening phase

Focus on Core Requirements

With fewer documents to prepare, providers can concentrate on the essential elements of their application:

• Statement of Purpose – clearly outlining your care home’s aims and objectives
• Policies and procedures – demonstrating how you’ll deliver safe, effective care
• Staff recruitment and training plans – showing you’ll have appropriately skilled staff
• Financial viability – proving you can sustain the service long-term

What Still Needs to Be Submitted

While some documents have been removed, care home providers must still provide:

Essential Documentation

• Statement of Purpose detailing your care home’s objectives and services
• Financial information proving viability and sustainability
• Insurance documentation showing appropriate cover
• Staffing plans demonstrating adequate, qualified staff
• Policies and procedures covering all aspects of care delivery

Quality and Safety Evidence

• Risk assessments for the premises and services
• Health and safety procedures including fire safety
• Infection control policies and procedures
• Medication management protocols
• Safeguarding procedures for vulnerable residents

Preparing for Registration Under the New System

Documentation Strategy

1. Focus on quality over quantity – ensure remaining documents are comprehensive and well-prepared
2. Clearly demonstrate compliance with fundamental standards
3. Provide evidence-based policies that show practical implementation
4. Include realistic staffing plans with appropriate skill mix

Implementation Planning

• Develop robust systems before applying for registration
• Train staff thoroughly on all policies and procedures
• Establish clear governance structures and accountability
• Create monitoring systems to track compliance and quality

Benefits for the Care Sector

Encouraging New Providers

The simplified process may encourage more providers to enter the care sector, potentially helping to address capacity issues in many areas. This could lead to:

• Increased competition driving quality improvements
• More choice for residents and families
• Innovation in care delivery models

Supporting Existing Providers

For established providers looking to expand or register additional services, the streamlined process offers:

• Faster expansion opportunities
• Lower administrative barriers to growth
• More time to focus on care quality rather than paperwork

Looking Ahead

Continuous Improvement

The CQC has indicated that these changes are part of an ongoing effort to improve the regulatory system. Further simplifications may be introduced based on:

• Feedback from providers about the new process
• Analysis of application processing times and quality
• Assessment of impact on care standards

Technology Integration

The CQC is also investing in technology improvements to make the registration process more efficient. This includes:

• Digital application systems for easier submission
• Online tracking of application progress
• Electronic document management for faster processing

Practical Next Steps for Care Home Providers

For New Providers

1. Review the updated guidance on the CQC website
2. Prepare core documentation focusing on quality and compliance
3. Develop comprehensive policies that demonstrate practical implementation
4. Plan your staffing structure with appropriate qualifications and training

For Existing Providers

1. Consider expansion opportunities with the simplified process
2. Update your registration if you’re adding new services
3. Review your current documentation to understand the new requirements
4. Share experiences with other providers to help improve the system

Common Questions About the Changes

Will Standards Be Lowered?

No. The CQC has been clear that while the application process has been simplified, the fundamental standards that care homes must meet remain unchanged. The focus is on removing bureaucratic barriers, not reducing quality expectations.

What If I’ve Already Started an Application?

The CQC provides guidance for applications that were in progress when the changes were implemented. Contact the CQC directly if you have questions about your specific application.

Will This Affect Inspection Frequency?

The changes relate to the registration process, not ongoing inspections. Care homes will still be inspected according to the CQC’s standard inspection framework.

Experience Quality Care with Lidder Care

At Lidder Care, we understand that behind every regulatory change is a family looking for the best possible care for their loved one. Our care homes in Mansfield have been designed with residents’ comfort, safety, and wellbeing at the heart of everything we do.

What makes Lidder Care special for residents:

• Person-centred care that respects individual preferences and needs
• Skilled, compassionate staff who are thoroughly trained and genuinely care
• Comfortable, homely environments where residents feel safe and valued
• Engaging activities and social opportunities that promote wellbeing and independence
• Strong family partnerships that keep loved ones involved in care decisions

Whether you’re looking for residential care, nursing care, or specialist support, Lidder Care combines regulatory excellence with genuine compassion to create homes where residents don’t just receive care – they flourish.

Ready to learn more about life at Lidder Care?

If you’re exploring care options for yourself or a loved one, we’d love to show you how our Mansfield care homes create meaningful, comfortable lives for our residents. Contact us today to arrange a visit and see firsthand how we’re redefining what quality care looks like.