The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is England’s independent regulator of health and social care. It works together with both care providers and the public to promote high-quality care that is as safe, effective and compassionate as possible. It registers care providers, inspects and rates care services, publishes its views on major issues in health and social care and takes action against care services that have fallen below acceptable levels. It is particularly conscious to base its work on the lived experiences of those who have received care and their families, and to protect the rights of vulnerable people – including those who have been detained for mental illness. It was established by the Health and Social Care Act 2008. This Act makes it the regulator of all health and adult social care services in England. Further details about regulatory requirements it oversees are in the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 and the Care Quality Commission (Registration) Regulations 2009.
