LAUNCHING RIGHT

CQC consultant Tracey Jones considers when the right time is to start your CQC application

Opening a new business is an exciting yet demanding endeavour, requiring careful planning across multiple areas to ensure long-term success. A well-structured business plan is essential in the early stages, providing clarity on the strategic steps needed to achieve both short and long-term objectives. When launching a healthcare business such as a clinic, additional considerations are essential, not only in terms of establishing a functional environment, building a capable team, and attracting a client base, but also in fulfilling the legal and professional obligations unique to healthcare professionals. Among these obligations is the requirement for regulatory registration, a process that often catches new business owners off guard. Understanding when to initiate your Care Quality Commission (CQC) registration is crucial.

In England, the CQC regulates health and social care services, while each of the devolved nations has its own regulator with varying requirements depending on the nature of services offered. It is essential for healthcare professionals to consult their relevant regulator or seek expert guidance to determine which services require registration. The timing of your application should be guided primarily by the types of treatments and services you intend to offer. This decision-making process can be complex, particularly when new technologies and treatments introduced at conferences and educational events appear to offer exciting growth potential. However, it is important to verify whether these services are regulated before making significant investments. For instance, while laser treatments are regulated in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland regardless of application, in England the requirement for registration is based more on the treatment provided than the equipment itself.

As the aesthetic sector evolves, many clinics are transforming into integrative health hubs, reflecting a growing public interest in preventive and lifestyle medicine. Healthcare professionals are increasingly expanding their skill sets in areas such as menopause support, lifestyle modification, and longevity-focused interventions some of which require regulatory oversight. The British Society of Lifestyle Medicine (BSLM), for example, has seen a marked increase in healthcare professionals undertaking training in this area, many of whom plan to offer regulated services.

The appropriate time to begin your CQC registration largely depends on the urgency with which you plan to launch services, the complexity of your treatment portfolio, and the expected timelines of the relevant regulator. At present, CQC applications typically take around four to six months to process, with slightly longer timeframes reported in Wales and Northern Ireland. Preparation is key to avoiding unnecessary delays. You will need to confirm the nature of your service delivery whether it will be face-to-face, remote, or a combination as this distinction must be clear from the outset of your application. Any future changes, such as adding a physical location to a previously remote-only service, could introduce delays.

Transparency regarding business leadership is also essential, as all directors must be clearly listed, undergo enhanced background checks, and meet the ‘fit and proper person’ requirements. Your business must be legally registered, and any organisation storing client data is required to register with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), regardless of location within the UK. Even if you engage the support of a regulatory consultant, it is important to allocate time for application preparation, understanding your governance documents, and drafting comprehensive standard operating procedures.

If you are still setting up your clinic, consider seeking professional advice early in the process. Regulatory bodies such as the CQC will conduct inspections to ensure your premises meet required standards in areas such as cleanliness, safety, and governance. Therefore, your clinic should be substantially fitted out and visibly ready as a clinical environment prior to submission of your application, although it does not need to be fully operational at that stage.

For non-clinical business owners, it is a regulatory requirement to appoint a Registered Manager ideally a qualified healthcare professional with appropriate experience. This individual must be willing to assume legal responsibility for the standard of care and will be subject to a rigorous vetting process, including an interview to assess their understanding of your governance framework and patient safety protocols. It is advisable to complete this step early to avoid unnecessary delays.

A common pitfall for new clinic owners is delaying their registration application until every aspect of the business is complete. Unfortunately, this often results in a fully equipped clinic being unable to operate due to outstanding regulatory approvals. Starting the registration process early can help ensure that your business launch is not hindered by regulatory delays. While self-submission is possible, many clinic owners find value in working with CQC compliance consultants who provide expert assistance in document preparation, policy development, and mock inspections, all of which contribute to a smoother approval process.

To stay on track for your intended launch date, begin your registration process at least four to six months in advance. Ensure your premises are nearly complete, your staffing plans are finalised, and all necessary documentation is in order. Taking these proactive steps will help position your business for a compliant and successful opening.

TRACEY JONES

Tracey Jones began her career in 1996, training as a nurse and dedicating much of her professional life to neonatal intensive care. She later advanced to the role of clinical matron, overseeing four major departments. For the past two decades, Jones has transitioned into academia, first as a teaching fellow and then as a senior lecturer at a world-renowned university. In this capacity, she has presented at numerous UK and international conferences and has been widely published, including the release of her own academic book in 2020. Jones is also a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and has contributed to the development of educational modules for NHS England and the World Health Organisation. For over 10 years, she has served as a clinical specialist advisor to the CQC and runs her own CQC-registered clinic, Blend Skin, in Cheshire, which she co-owns with her daughter, who is also a nurse.