At HLTH Group, we understand that receiving a ‘Notice of Proposal to Cancel Registration’ from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) is an alarming and high-stakes situation for healthcare providers. It is a critical juncture that demands immediate, comprehensive, and proactive action.
This notice signifies that the CQC has concerns about your service’s compliance with regulations, and it is crucial to address these concerns promptly and effectively. We are here to provide specialised support tailored to the unique challenges faced by healthcare providers in such circumstances.a
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Various Measures
The CQC has the authority to cancel your registration, whether it applies to one location or your entire registration. The CQC can take various measures to prevent your service from trading, including:
- Seeking a magistrate court order to cancel your registration with immediate effect.
- Serving a notice that removes your ability to continue the service(s) immediately.
- Issuing a ‘Notice of Proposal’ to cancel your registration or vary your conditions, which initiates a formal process.
It is important to note that the CQC’s intent to cancel your registration does not imply an inevitable outcome. You have the right and the opportunity to contest this action, and it is crucial to do so at the earliest opportunity.
Healthcare Compliance. HR. Software Solutions – Learn more about us by clicking here.Understanding the ‘Notice of Proposal’ (NOP)
When the CQC is not taking urgent action, it will typically serve a ‘Notice of Proposal to cancel or vary your registration.’ As the name suggests, this is a proposal only, and you have the opportunity to challenge the action that the CQC is seeking to take.
The first opportunity to contest the proposal arises after you receive the NOP. You have 28 days from the date the NOP is served on you to respond. Missing this statutory deadline means losing your first chance to stop the proposed action. The legal position regarding when the NOP is deemed to have been served should be checked, as there can be nuances in this regard.
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How We Support – Responding Proactively
During the 28-day period, it is recommended that you engage an specialist CQC consultancy such as the HLTH Group in order to proactively respond to the CQC’s notice,
Understand the CQC’s case, which is typically based on evidence of non-compliance with relevant regulations.
Engage HLTH Group to provide an independent review of your service
Provide evidence demonstrating why the CQC’s position is incorrect or why it no longer applies.
Our team of former CQC inspectors, healthcare professionals and compliance experts will provide expert guidance on the approach needed to rectify problems and continuously monitors progress.
Communicate with the Care Quality Commission transparently and demonstrating your proactivity to the CQC is incredibly important.
HLTH Group can refer you to CQC-specialist solicitors to support in any legal action against the Care Quality Commission
Provide support for Residents and Service Users. We help you engage positively with residents and service users to build support and trust within the community.
Healthcare Compliance. HR. Software Solutions – Learn more about us by clicking here.Next Steps
Challenging a ‘Notice of Proposal to Cancel Registration’ is a complex and time-sensitive process. It typically takes between 6 to 9 months from the initial serving of the NOP to reach a full tribunal hearing. While this can be an unsettling period, it provides an opportunity to strengthen your service and address any necessary actions for improvement.
The consequences of CQC action can include embargoes, removal of service users, and challenges from local media and families. However, by working closely with HLTH Group and CQC-specialist solicitors, you can take a strategic approach and engage in necessary discussions or actions to protect your business.
While it is the CQC’s responsibility to prove non-compliance with regulations, early engagement with the process and a solid understanding of the compliance and legal basis for action can empower you. Demonstrating how you have addressed alleged failures to comply with compliance legislation can strengthen your position and offer the best chance of retaining your registration.
At HLTH Group, we are here to support you through every step of this challenging journey. Contact us today to discuss how we can assist you in addressing the CQC’s ‘Notice of Proposal to Cancel Registration’ and protect the future of your healthcare service.
The HLTH Group.
Our Companies & Services.
We have a suite of healthcare HR and compliance services delivered through our multi-faceted departments, each of which provide industry-leading compliance services for CQC-regulated providers. Find out more about them below.
At HLTH HR we provide purpose-built HR software and expert support to healthcare providers nationwide, ensuring they successfully optimise their management of staff and HR processes. HLTH HR provides the expert support you need to remain legally compliant with your obligations as an employer. Supported by our HLTH Manage software system, you can manage your staff more easily, and improve employee satisfaction and wellbeing.
We specialise in finding highly skilled, compliant professionals for a wide range of roles within Healthcare, Adult Social Care, and Medical Services. We believe the success of healthcare services begins with their staff, and at HLTH Group we are industry-leading experts in interim management and permanent healthcare recruitment. Learn more by clicking below.
HLTH Manage is the UK’s leading CQC Compliance Software. The system is an innovative software solution that ensures providers are one step ahead of CQC requirements via our state-of-the-art system and the support provided by a team of compliance experts – ensuring that we offer holistic, tech-enabled solutions. Learn more by clicking below.
Board of Directors
Greg Bamber
Chief Executive
Greg joined the organisation as Chief Executive after a long and successful period as founder and CEO of CQC Compliance Limited, which was acquired by WorkNest/Marlowe PLC in the summer of 2021. Following a successful handover period, Greg has taken up the position as CEO of the HLTH Group, while maintaining a close working relationship with CQC Compliance. With more than 15 years' experience operating in the healthcare sector, Greg has a fundamental understanding of how to support healthcare providers in the UK, he is dedicated to ensuring that the HLTH Group provides both an expert-led and a tech-enabled approach to the delivery of business-critical healthcare compliance solutions.
Matt Hibberd
Managing Director
Matt has over 25 years of extensive experience in the Health and Social Care sector. Prior to joining the HLTH Group, Matt notably served as a Regional Director and CQC Nominated Individual for All Care, one of the UK’s largest domiciliary care providers, overseeing the delivery of 16000 hours of care a week. His expertise extends to fostering growth strategies, ensuring compliance, and delivering successful acquisitions and tenders. Matt's understanding of the healthcare sector's challenges and his ability to support clients in navigating compliance and achieving commercial development make him an invaluable asset to HLTH Group’s partners and clients.
Dr Atif Ghaffar
Medical Director
Dr Atif Ghaffar is the Medical Director of the HLTH Group and supports our clients with his decades of experience in the healthcare sector. He has experience working within the NHS and as a private GP, covering all aspects of primary and acute care. As a GP Principal for 16 years and an experienced CQC Lead – Dr Ghaffar provides invaluable support and guidance particularly to our clients looking to start bespoke GP services. As the former Medical Director at CQC Compliance Limited, Dr Ghaffar understands the fundamental importance of healthcare compliance and the need for primary and acute organisations to be forward-thinking in ensuring they are CQC-ready.
Tony Carlin
Head of Compliance & Training
Tony is a Registered Nurse, specialising in mental health, and has worked in forensic and secure mental health services across a variety of settings. Teaching and training have always been incredibly important to Tony, and for many years he has delivered training courses in small and large settings focused on compliance, the CQC, and specialist areas of health and social care. Tony also has experience in adult social care, in which he worked at all levels including Registered Manager. His range of experience has developed his specialist insight into how to remain compliant and succeed in line with the legislation and evolving framework of the regulator in a variety of settings.
Jayne Downey
Non-Executive Director
Jayne joined the HLTH Group as our Non-Executive Clinical Director, following a successful period as a Director at CQC Compliance Limited. Jayne works with our clients to ensure long-term improvement in their compliance. Alongside her work with the HLTH Group, Jayne has worked as the Director of Governance and Corporate Nursing and until recently was the nominated individual for the Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust – an ‘Outstanding’ hospital trust.
Will Rosebury
Marketing Director
As Marketing Director of the HLTH Group, Will leads the organisation in relation to brand communications and strategy, sales and marketing, and oversees the operational performance of the HLTH Group. A former director at CQC Compliance Limited, Will joined the HLTH Group with the simple idea to provide forward-thinking compliance solutions directly to healthcare providers across the UK. With the UK healthcare in a state of significant flux and evolution, Will is dedicated to ensuring that the HLTH Group helps healthcare providers navigate these changes in the years ahead.
Sophie Cross
HR Director
Sophie is our Head of HR and has worked in HR for over 10 years, working in the charitable and social care sector as well as more recent experience within local authority. With broad experience in the day to day of HR management ensuring successful and compliant employment, as well as supporting companies with complex employee relations cases which included successful communication with Union and ACAS representatives, she is able to offer advice and guidance to ensure pragmatic and fair outcomes for employers and employees alike. Working collaboratively with operations within the care sector for the majority of her career she understands the challenges the care environment brings and is able to bring an extra dynamic to delivery.
Marc Hulligan
Finance Director
With a career spanning over two decades in the field of finance, Marc brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role as Finance Director. His journey began as a qualified accountant, honing his skills at HMRC, Grant Thornton, and Moore and Smalley, before becoming an integral part of the HLTH Group team in May 2023. As the head of our finance and accounts department, Marc plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the confidentiality of client information, remaining vigilant and compliant with GDPR and all official finance regulations.