Independent guidance for England · Content version: 1 November 2026Pre-launch review
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Sector assessment frameworks remain draft and pilot material

CQC's four initial sector drafts propose supporting KLOEs, rating characteristics and judgements at key-question level without scoring. Piloting was scheduled for June–October 2026, with evaluation planned for November. The sources reviewed do not establish a universal commencement date.

Draft / pilot
EnglandContent version: 1 November 2026Independent guidance

Who this affects

  • Adult social care
  • Mental health
  • Primary and community care
  • Hospitals

What to do now

  • Continue using the current published assessment guidance for your service.
  • Maintain a separate comparison with the relevant sector draft.
  • Activate a new framework only after verifying CQC's applicable commencement and guidance; retain the version used for earlier reviews.

Sources and dates

  1. cqc.org.uk — Our march update (opens in a new tab)
  2. cqc.org.uk — 0626 update (opens in a new tab)
  3. cqc.org.uk — 0826 update (opens in a new tab)

Source/update date: 2026-08-27. Content version: 1 November 2026. Next scheduled content review: 1 December 2026.

Read the status first. A consultation, announcement or pilot does not by itself change a legal obligation. Use the linked source to confirm the requirement that applies to your service.
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Related guidance and next steps

Content version: . Named expert review remains pending for public launch.

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