You need to register with us if you plan to provide a regulated activity in England.
We need to establish that you will provide services that are safe, effective, caring, responsive to people’s needs and well-led. You will be asked to show evidence of this during your application.
You should put time into preparing your application. Our registration assessment process is rigorous - you will need to be able to show how you will meet our quality statements to deliver high-quality person-centred care.
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You cannot legally provide care services unless we approve your registration.
When to apply
You should submit your application when everything is in place to start providing your services. This includes having the locations and staff ready to provide services.
Before you apply
Before you start your application, we recommend you read our What is registration and Scope of registration guidance. It will help you decide if you need to register with us.
Once you've confirmed you need to register as a provider, you should:
- get a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check for your main point of contact - this usually takes around 14 days but can take longer
- decide who your registered managers will be, if you are registering as an:
- organisation or partnership
- individual and you are not responsible for the day-to-day running of the regulated activity
- gather supporting documents for the service you plan to provide
- make sure your premises are ready for a site visit (if needed).
Your application will be delayed if you do not complete these actions before you apply.
Advice for specific services
Ambulance services
Check if you need to register with us as an ambulance service.
Before you apply, you must have either:
- the vehicle you intend to use
- documentary evidence of a lease for the vehicle you intend to use.
Homecare services providing personal care
The business you propose must be robust and everyone employed must be properly trained and experienced. Read our advice on homecare agencies: personal care applications. If you apply for registration you will need to demonstrate that you meet our regulatory requirements.
Services for autistic people and people with a learning disability
You must comply with our guidance on services for autistic people and people with a learning disability. We encourage you to talk to us about your ideas at an early stage of planning your service. This will help you consider whether the service you plan would be suitable to meet people’s needs.
Services that use controlled drugs
If your service will be using controlled drugs, you might need a Home Office controlled drugs licence. If you do, you must apply for this as soon as possible. Once the Home Office has accepted a valid application, it may take up to 16 weeks to contact you to arrange a compliance visit, if you need one.
Services outside of England
If you plan to also offer services in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland, you may have to register with the relevant local regulatory authority as well.
The other UK regulators:
- Scotland: Health Improvement Scotland
- Wales: Health Inspectorate Wales
- Northern Ireland: The Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority
How to apply
Important
From 18 November 2024, you cannot use the provider portal to register with us
This is because of development work to improve the service.
If you're submitting your application after 18 November, you must use the Word form and email it to us.
If you’ve already started an application on our provider portal, you must submit it before 18 November or your application will not be processed.
Remember:
- You must complete the application yourself.
- We will assess your application on the completeness and relevance of what you say.
- We will reject any incomplete applications.
You will also need to register one or more managers if you are:
- organisation or partnership
- individual and you are not responsible for the day-to-day running of the regulated activity.
You must submit the manager forms with your provider application. We cannot process your application without them.
Apply by form and email
If you have not started your application yet, we recommend you apply by form and email.
If you need help to complete your application contact our general enquiries team.
Apply online
Register online using our provider portal. If you choose this method, you must submit your application before 18 November 2024.
Remember, your provider and related registered manager applications are assessed together. This means you’ll need to submit all related applications before the deadline. If any are late, you'll need to reapply using the Word form for all applications.
If you need technical help to complete your application on the provider portal, email providerportalqueries@cqc.org.uk.
After you apply
Once we receive your application, we will:
- review the application and ask for more information if needed
- book a date to complete a site visit, if needed
- arrange an interview with you
- involve your nominated individual and proposed registered manager if you need one
Find out more about how we'll assess your application.
How long it takes
Our registration assessment process is rigorous and can take some time. You cannot manage regulated activities until we have confirmed that you are registered. This can take a few months.
We assess all applications in the order we receive them. If your application is urgent, check our guidance on making an urgent application.
How we'll tell you our decision
We will let you know the outcome of our decision by email. Find out more about the possible outcomes of your application.