From 21 November the Care Quality Commission will start using its new single assessment framework in the South region.

Between 21 November and 4 December the regulator will undertake a small number of planned assessments with early adopter providers, while continuing to respond to risk. it will then expand its new assessment approach to all providers based on a risk-informed schedule.

The CQC stated it will be in contact and inviting providers to be early adopters separately. This will be an opportunity for those early adopters to get an experience of the CQC’s new ways of working and for it to receive feedback about the process.

At this stage the new assessment approach will not apply to NHS trust well-led assessments and services it does not rate. The CQC said it will contact those providers soon with more detail.

The regulator said the regulatory transformation programme doesn’t mean its expectations of care are changing. Its quality statements are pitched at the level of good and are based on the regulations.

The CQC stated: “We have consistently involved providers in the development of our new technology and ways of working. This will continue during the rollout; with opportunities to engage through our digital engagement platform, CitizenLab, as well as regular support webinars and other engagement events over the coming months. Make sure you keep an eye out for our regular bulletins, webinars and supporting videos.

“Thank you for your continued support in helping us shape our guidance. We recognise the importance of clear guidance to help you feel ready for our new assessments. You can find information below that covers the different aspects of our regulatory approach, including: key questions and quality statements, evidence categories, how we’ll use people’s experiences of health and care, the role of I statements, and how we’ll assess quality and performance.”