The Homecare Association acknowledges Dr Penny Dash's final report on the Care Quality Commission (CQC). This adds to the findings of the interim report, offering more detailed analysis and conclusions.
We remain deeply concerned about the persistent performance issues plaguing the CQC. Homecare providers continue to report delays of nine months for registration. Many are still waiting for inspection and ratings reviews. Citizens are now forced to rely on customer review websites to judge care quality.
Dr Jane Townson OBE, CEO of the Homecare Association, said:
"Dr Dash's final report provides a more detailed examination of the CQC's challenges, expanding from five to ten key conclusions. However, it's crucial to note we have raised many of these issues repeatedly for years, with little apparent progress. The lack of accountability and the slow pace of change are deeply troubling.
"The issues identified in this report have real-world consequences. They affect the quality of care received by older and disabled people; the ability of providers to operate effectively; and the overall stability of our care system.
“We call on Sir Julian Hartley, as the new CEO of the CQC, to treat this situation with the urgency it deserves. The sector needs more than just another report – we need decisive action and real, measurable change."
The Homecare Association calls for immediate action and clear accountability. We want to see:
- A detailed plan with deadlines, milestones, and assigned responsibilities for implementing all recommendations.
- Regular public updates on progress of the actions, including any obstacles encountered.
- A commitment to ongoing, independent evaluation of the CQC's performance against these recommendations.
We reiterate our previous calls for action:
- Immediate review of CQC's resource needs and funding model.
- Swift improvements in IT and data systems.
- Enhanced engagement with providers and alignment with local authorities.
- Regular, transparent review of CQC's regulatory approach.
The Homecare Association stands ready to support meaningful reform of the CQC. We will, however, continue to hold the regulator and the Secretary of State accountable for the pace and effectiveness of these crucial changes.
[ENDS]
Contacts
Dr Jane Townson OBE, CEO, Homecare Association
Email - [email protected]
Mobile number - 07393 012 113
Notes to editors
- The Homecare Association is the UK's membership body for homecare providers, with over 2,200 members nationally. Our mission is to ensure that homecare receives the investment it deserves, so all of us can live well at home and flourish within our communities. The Homecare Association acts as a trusted voice, taking a lead in shaping homecare, in collaboration with partners across the care sector. It also provides hands-on support and practical tools for its members. The Homecare Association's members agree to abide by the Association's Code of Practice.
