How to Change or Cancel Your CQC Registration: Locations, Activities, Managers and Closure

How to Change or Cancel Your CQC Registration: Locations, Activities, Managers and Closure

Different changes need different applications, and some must be approved before you act. Here is the route for each, plus how to cancel a provider or manager registration.

To change your CQC registration you complete the application or notification for that specific change, such as a location, regulated activity or condition, and you must not make the change until CQC grants it. To cancel, apply through CQC’s online service. A provider can cancel only within 30 days before stopping services or after stopping them, and a registered manager can cancel their registration across all activities and locations. You must respond to CQC’s verification email within 30 days or the application will not be processed.

Registration is tied to specific providers, locations, activities and conditions. If your service changes, your registration usually has to change first. CQC’s guidance on making changes to your registration and cancelling provider and manager registrations sets out the routes.

This guide organises them. For new registrations, see how to register with CQC. For selling, see buying and selling a care home.

Which Change Needs Which Process?

CQC says you must have your application granted before you start to implement any change you apply for.

Adding, Removing and Moving Locations

Locations are listed as a condition of registration. If you wish to carry on regulated activity from a different location, you must first apply to vary that condition. CQC assesses whether you can meet its requirements at the new location.

• Operating more than one service from the same address: no variation is needed if you are registered for each relevant regulated activity and already have a condition allowing the activity at that address. Describe each service in your statement of purpose.
• Moving a location: apply to remove and add locations for your provider registration and for manager registrations, sending all applications together. If it is your head office, also send a notification of changes to registered details.
• Selling or transferring a location: apply to remove it, or cancel your registration. You remain responsible while it is part of your conditions, and the new provider must register or apply at the same time.

Varying or Removing Conditions

CQC can vary, remove or add conditions, and you can apply to have them varied or removed. CQC will consider removing conditions when you can show they are no longer necessary, for example that you have achieved and can maintain compliance. Applications must state the exact wording of the condition and how you will provide the service if the change is granted.

Examples: increasing the number of people accommodated, or beginning to support autistic people and people with a learning disability where a condition currently prevents it. CQC says you must not change how you carry on the regulated activity until it grants the application. See right support, right care, right culture.

How to Cancel a Provider Registration

Use CQC’s online service to cancel your registration completely. Do not use it if you are continuing to provide regulated activities at any location. You must hold the role of nominated individual, responsible individual (sole trader) or main partner, and have access to the registered email address.

• Timing: only 30 days before you stop providing services, or after you have stopped.
• You will need: your provider ID and name, the measures you have taken to maintain care for people using services, and who you have informed.
• Verification: CQC emails you to review and confirm. You must respond within 30 days or the application will not be processed and you remain registered.
• Accuracy: CQC could fine you up to £2,500 for false or misleading information.

If you only want to drop some activities or locations, use the variation routes instead. A part refund of fees may be available only if you stop all regulated activities and cancel your provider registration. See CQC annual fees.

How to Cancel a Manager Registration

A registered manager can apply to cancel their registration completely, across all activities and locations they manage. You must be the registered manager with access to your registered email. You need your manager ID and provider ID. As with providers, you must respond to CQC’s verification email within 30 days. If you are staying on for some activities or locations, use the routes to remove activities or locations instead.

When a manager leaves, the provider must also notify CQC and arrange a replacement. See change of registered manager, manager absence of 28 days or more and interim registered manager.

Checklist Before You Apply

1. Identify the exact change and the matching form or application.
2. Confirm who is authorised: nominated individual, partner, registered manager.
3. Gather supporting evidence, including how care will be maintained.
4. Update your statement of purpose and policies once approved.
5. Do not implement the change until CQC grants it.
6. Tell commissioners, families and staff in good time.
7. Notify CQC of related changes, such as a new nominated individual, as soon as reasonably practicable. See notifiable events.

CQCLogic’s task tracking helps you assign and diary each step, such as applications, evidence, statement of purpose updates and notifications, to named people with due dates.