Glossary, regulation and privacy
What is the CQC single assessment framework?
The single assessment framework is how the Care Quality Commission assesses health and care providers in England, through 5 key questions and 34 quality statements. CQC gathers evidence in 6 categories and rates each provider Outstanding, Good, Requires improvement or Inadequate.
Updated . Defined by the wai team for clinics, groups and health systems.
Also called SAF or CQC assessment framework.
Why CQC single assessment framework matters to a clinic
The 5 key questions ask whether a service is safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led, and each is broken into quality statements a provider has to evidence.1 CQC looks at people's experience, feedback from staff and leaders, partners, observation, processes and outcomes.2
CQC is redrafting its method. In 2026 it consulted on sector frameworks that replace quality statements with key lines of enquiry, and as of 16 October 2026 the single assessment framework remains the one in use for assessments.3 A clinic that keeps its evidence in daily use is ready for either.
Questions
Does CQC approve software?
No. CQC registers and rates providers, and it does not approve, certify or endorse software. The software keeps the records your team uses to show how care is delivered.
Is the single assessment framework being replaced?
CQC has consulted on new sector frameworks and has not replaced it as of 16 October 2026.3 Check the CQC hub for what is in force.
Sources
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