The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator for quality in health and social care in England (including private providers). It ensures that health and social care services are providing people with safe, effective, compassionate, high-quality care and encourages services to improve.

Before a care provider can carry out any of the activities that CQC regulates, they must register with the CQC and be able to meet a number of legal requirements. Activities regulated by the CQC include the teatment, care and support provided by hospitals, GP practices, dental practices, ambulance services, care homes and home-care agencies.

The role of the CQC is to:

• register care providers;
• monitor, inspect and rate services;
• take action to protect people who use services; and
• speak with an independent voices and publish its views on major quality issues in health and social care.