Principal CQC Consultant

Principal CQC Consultant – Key Responsibilities

CQC Registration & Application Support

• Review CQC provider and manager applications prior to submission, identifying risks, gaps and areas for improvement.
• Amend and refine application documents to ensure they are suitable for resubmission following returns or refusals.
• Support consistency, quality and compliance across all applications before they are sent to clients.
• Provide expert input on governance, policies, business plans and supporting documentation.

Client Support & Escalations

• Respond to client queries and escalations in a professional and supportive manner.
• Provide tailored interview preparation for CQC fit person and provider interviews.
• Act as a senior point of contact for complex or higher-risk cases.

Post-Registration & Added-Value Services

• Support clients post-registration, including mock inspections and readiness reviews (where required).
• Provide practical advice to help new providers embed compliance and prepare for inspection.

Internal Support & Business Development

• Support internal staff to ensure a smooth, consistent and high-quality application process.
• Contribute strategic ideas and improvements to templates, QA processes and service delivery.
• Provide informed input into the development of new services and business growth initiatives.

Essential Experience

• At least 1 year’s direct exposure to the CQC registration or inspection process
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience in:
• Health and/or Social Care or
• A health and social care regulatory or compliance environment.
• Strong working knowledge of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014.
• Experience working with clients or stakeholders to achieve shared outcomes.

Desirable Experience

• Previous experience working directly for the Care Quality Commission, particularly as a Registration Inspector.
• Hands-on experience auditing, inspecting or assessing health and social care services.
• Established professional connections or insight into CQC processes and expectations.
• Experience supporting services through inspection preparation or regulatory challenges.

What We Offer

• Completely flexible working, with remote working as standard.
• A relaxed but high-performing working environment focused on outcomes, not micromanagement.
• The opportunity to play a meaningful role in a growing specialist consultancy.
• Genuine scope to influence how services are delivered and developed.
• Full time role available.
• Generous salary.
• Pension.

Who This Role Is Suited To

This role is ideal for someone who:

• Enjoys applying regulatory knowledge in a practical, client-focused way.
• Values quality, judgement and professional integrity.
• Wants flexibility and autonomy while still working as part of a collaborative team.
• Is motivated by helping providers get things right from the outset.

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