Carla Gama, head of operations at Trinity Homecare Group, explains why the new CQC single assessment framework is a positive shift for home care.
The Care Quality Commission’s (CQC) introduction of the Single Assessment Framework in late 2023 marked a pivotal moment for home care in England. This framework replaces multiple, fragmented inspection regimes with a single, unified set of expectations – simplifying the assessment process while ensuring a more consistent, robust evaluation of care services.
Crucially, the framework focuses on four key domains: Safe, Effective, Caring and Well-led. These broad categories reflect a holistic approach to quality, moving beyond a narrow focus on compliance or clinical outcomes to include the overall experience and well-being of people receiving care.
One of the most significant changes is the shift from paperwork and policy checklists to prioritising the lived experience of those in care. The framework places a stronger emphasis on understanding care through the eyes of individuals – their personal goals, preferences and meaningful outcomes. It asks providers not just “Are you meeting standards?” but “How is this care improving lives?”
This outcome-focused approach realigns inspections with the true purpose of home care: supporting people to live fulfilling, independent lives in their own homes.
Continuous quality improvement
Another cornerstone of the framework is fostering a culture of continuous quality improvement and safety through learning. It encourages providers to promote openness, transparency and collaborative problem-solving within their teams. Rather than solely reacting to compliance failures, services are expected to proactively identify opportunities to improve and embed those improvements into everyday practice.
The framework also acknowledges the critical role of leadership and workforce well-being. Exceptional care depends on motivated, empowered teams supported by strong, inclusive leadership that cultivates trust, learning and innovation.
Moreover, the framework encourages providers to harness technology meaningfully. Intelligent use of digital tools and data supports personalised care and operational efficiency – a vital consideration given ongoing workforce pressures and rising demand for home care. Technology should enhance, not replace, the human connections that lie at the heart of outstanding care.
In this context, Trinity Homecare’s recent achievement of an “Outstanding” rating under the new framework is particularly significant. As one of the first home care providers in England to attain this highest accolade since the framework’s implementation, our rating validates the CQC’s renewed focus on person-centred, ambition-led care combined with strong leadership cultures.
The rating demonstrates that meeting these more rigorous and integrated standards is achievable by investing in carers’ empowerment, fostering collaboration, embracing innovation and placing individuals’ well-being and independence front and centre.
Adapting to the Single Assessment Framework requires real cultural evolution, investment in training and systems and a commitment to continuous learning. However, these efforts benefit everyone: people receiving care enjoy better, more personalised outcomes; families gain greater confidence and peace of mind; providers elevate their service quality; and regulators receive clearer, more actionable insights into performance.
A catalyst for transformation
Ultimately, the CQC’s Single Assessment Framework is more than a regulatory update – it’s a catalyst for transforming home care standards across England.
As the sector embraces these new expectations, driving innovation, quality, and compassionate care in live-in services are key to success. The framework’s promise is clear: when care truly centres on the individual, supported by strong leadership and a culture of excellence, everyone benefits.
