Before you start your CQC registration process

Do your research on local needs and finance required.

Determine the specific type of care services you want to provide (e.g., elderly care, working-age adults, learning disability, child care, mental health services, etc).

Analyse existing care providers in your area to understand their services, pricing, location and clientele.

Develop a Business Plan

Outline your vision, mission, and the core values of your care service.

Clearly define the services you will provide.

Include research on the target market and competitive landscape.

Plan how you will attract clients (e.g., online advertising, card-drop, local print, word-of-mouth).

Estimate initial costs, revenue projections, and break-even analysis.

Legal Requirements

Decide whether to operate as an LLC, CIC, limited company, or sole trader. This affects legal and tax liabilities.

Obtain Professional Liability Insurance to protect your business and clients and Employers Liability when you take staff on. You may also want to consider Director Insurance and Cyber Security Insurance. An insurance broker will advise on your requirements.

Financing your business

All business require finance for start up and immediate operating costs. Start-up costs for a home care business will be less than a care home, but they will be significant. Entry-level costs are rising with more emphasis on technology and training requirements.

Self-funding your business

Consider applying for small business loans through banks or credit unions.

Look for grants specifically available for healthcare or social services.

Engage with potential investors who may be interested in funding your care service.

Set up operations

Hire qualified and experienced staff who share your values and have the necessary certifications.

Create policies and procedures for staff conduct, HR processes, financial procedures, client care, and emergency procedures.

Invest in software for managing client information, scheduling, and billing. This will save you time and money in the longer-term.

Your revenue model

Publicly-funded clients

Don't assume that you will automatically be able to receive referrals from the Local Authority or the NHS.

Oxfordshire, like most councils, operates through a legal framework that ensures equity and transparency of contract awards. These are periodically re-commissioned, but may remain closed to new entrants for a significant period of time.

Self-funded clients

Private commissions from individuals or families will give you greater control over income streams, but require marketing and promotion.

Aim for a mix of both - spread your income streams.

Register with CQC

Understand CQC’s Role & Requirements

You must register if you plan to deliver regulated activities in England—such as personal care, nursing care, accommodation, treatment, or diagnostics. It's an offence to operate without registration.

Identify exactly which activities you'll perform using the Scope of Registration guidance before starting the application.

Prepare for Registration

Ensure your legal entity is registered (e.g., with Companies House, or The Charity Commission) and you have a suitable premises/location.

Arrange a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check for your nominated individual or main contact—expect around 14 days.

Appoint a Registered Manager (if applicable for organisations and partnerships).

Prepare and gather documentation

You’ll need policies and evidence covering:

• Statement of Purpose
• Safeguarding, infection control, complaints, medicines
• Recruitment, consent, equality/diversity
• Finance (viability), governance, insurance (public/employer liability)
• Disclosure and Barring Service documentation
• For home care providers: the Additional information for providers of personal care form.
• Guidance and form details:
• Register as a provider
• Supporting documents
• Application forms and extras

Completing and submitting the application

Use the New Provider registration application form.

If adding extra locations, partners, or registered managers, include the supplementary forms found alongside the main form.

Attach the “Additional information for providers of personal care” form if relevant.

Submission process

As of 2024, applications must be emailed to HSCA_Applications@cqc.org.uk.

Emails can be split if >10 MB; include your provider name, application type, and number of emails in the subject line.

CQC review and assessment

CQC may review submitted documents, interview your Nominated Individual or Registered Manager, and inspect the premises (either in person or remotely).

Ensure everything is ready: staff, policies, premises should all demonstrate compliance before application.

Registration decision & post‑approval

You’ll receive a decision: approval allows you to start delivering regulated services. If refused, CQC will provide reasons and next steps.

Expect your first inspection within 12 months of registering.

Fees

Application fees vary based on activity type and size; annual fees cover monitoring, inspection, and regulation.

Fee examples:

• Small domiciliary (home care) agency supporting ~50 clients: ~£2,950/year.
• Care homes: from £816 (10 beds) to over £7,000 (50 beds) annually.
• Refer to CQC’s Fees page for full details on calculation and payment.