Welcome to the January 2026 policy updates, with a complete overhaul of the policies required for registration.
What's new
The registration titles have been reviewed and extensively updated. The Key Points have been removed, as the Copilot skill can be used to request these. Quality Statements are evidenced clearly at the start of the policy, and a detailed Procedures section has been clearly separated out in the policies. For structured details on these policy updates, please see this>
Corporate Risk Management
This release represents a comprehensive consolidation and enhancement of the Corporate Risk Management Policy. The two previous service-specific versions (one for domiciliary care, one for residential care) have been merged into a single, unified policy that applies across all service types. The new policy has been substantially expanded to include detailed procedural guidance, practical examples throughout, enhanced regulatory alignment, and new sections on positive risk-taking, person involvement, and setting-specific guidance. These changes strengthen CQC alignment and provide staff with clearer, more actionable guidance.
Released 09/01/2026
Equality, Diversity and Human Rights
This represents a substantial revision of the Equality, Diversity and Human Rights Policy to strengthen compliance with current legislation, improve practical implementation guidance, and enhance CQC alignment. The updated policy introduces significant new content, restructures existing sections for clarity, and provides comprehensive setting-specific guidance to support frontline staff in delivering person-centred, inclusive care across all service types.
Released 13/01/2026
Complaints (including Compliments)
This update represents a comprehensive restructuring and expansion of the Complaints Policy, bringing together the previous separate Residential and Community (Domiciliary/Supported Living) policies into a single, unified framework. This consolidation ensures consistent standards and expectations across all service types whilst providing tailored, service-specific guidance through dedicated appendices. The new policy strengthens regulatory alignment, improves accessibility, and enhances organisational learning from feedback. These changes reflect current best practice guidance and align with CQC Single Assessment Framework quality statements.
Released 13/01/2026
Confidentiality
This update represents a comprehensive restructure and enhancement of confidentiality guidance across all service types. The new policy has been developed to provide a unified, service-agnostic framework that strengthens regulatory alignment with current CQC Quality Statements, introduces detailed procedural guidance previously absent from both predecessor documents, and significantly expands practical support for frontline staff through new appendices and quick reference materials. The consolidation ensures consistent standards across domiciliary, supported living, and residential services whilst eliminating duplication and improving accessibility for all staff groups.
Released 13/01/2026
Duty of Candour
This release represents a comprehensive consolidation of two separate setting-specific policies (residential and domiciliary) into a single unified policy. The new consolidated policy significantly expands guidance, introduces practical decision-making tools, and provides extensive procedural detail to support consistent implementation across all care settings. This is a substantial revision that will require staff briefing and updated training.
Released 13/01/2026