Complete Guide to CQC Registration for Domiciliary Care Agencies in 2025

Starting Your Domiciliary Care Agency

The demand for quality home care services continues to grow across England, with an ageing population and increasing preference for receiving care in familiar surroundings. For entrepreneurs and experienced care professionals looking to establish their own domiciliary care agency, understanding the CQC registration process is the essential first step.

What is CQC Registration?

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator of health and adult social care in England. Any organisation providing regulated activities such as personal care must be registered with the CQC before commencing operations. Operating without registration is a criminal offence.

Regulated Activities for Domiciliary Care

For home care agencies, the primary regulated activity is 'Personal Care', which includes assistance with washing, dressing, toileting, eating and drinking, and medication administration. If your service only provides companionship, housework, or shopping without personal care, you may not require CQC registration.

The Registration Application

Your CQC registration application must include a comprehensive Statement of Purpose, detailing your service model, target client group, geographical area, and how you will meet the fundamental standards of care. The application also requires evidence of your business structure, nominated individuals, and proposed registered manager.

Registered Manager Requirements

Every domiciliary care service requires a registered manager who is responsible for the day-to-day running of the service. The manager must demonstrate relevant qualifications, typically Level 5 in Leadership for Health and Social Care, along with substantial experience in a supervisory or management role within social care.

The Fit Person Interview

Both the registered manager and responsible individuals must pass fit person interviews with CQC inspectors. These interviews assess your understanding of the regulations, safeguarding, and your capability to deliver safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led services.

Policies and Procedures

Your application must be supported by comprehensive policies covering safeguarding, medication management, complaints, recruitment, training, and quality assurance. These documents demonstrate your systems for ensuring regulatory compliance and service quality.

Registration Fees and Timescales

CQC registration fees for domiciliary care typically range from £2,600 to £4,500 depending on your projected service user capacity. The registration process usually takes 12-16 weeks, though this can extend if additional information is required.

After Registration

Once registered, you must display your registration certificate, notify CQC of significant events, and prepare for your first inspection, which typically occurs within 12-18 months of registration. Maintaining compliance with the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 is an ongoing requirement.