Starting a home care franchise is a very meaningful step and one of the first formal requirements is registering with the Care Quality Commission. This must be completed before offering any regulated support at home.
Many future franchise owners may be new to the sector and often have understandable questions about how the process works.
The Care Quality Commission is the independent regulator for health and adult social care in England. Its role is to make sure that services are safe, well led and consistently delivered. Registration shows that a provider meets the standards set out in legislation and can operate with the correct governance in place.
The process is structured around several stages. You prepare your documents, complete the application, take part in an assessment and then receive a decision. The timeframes can vary, though many applicants find that the CQC review can span several weeks. Knowing this in advance helps future franchise owners plan their launch schedules with confidence.
To begin the application, you will need a set of documents that show how your service will be governed. These include policies, procedures, quality monitoring arrangements and details of how you will keep people safe.
The CQC also reviews practical readiness. This includes access to suitable office space, equipment and secure digital care systems. Early staff preparation is another important part of the process. Recruitment checks and introductory training should be in progress so you can show that the team will be ready to support people safely.
Choosing to partner with an experienced franchise network can significantly simplify this preparation. Comprehensive support is typically provided from the start, with packages that includes; CQC registration support, personalised business planning and access to ongoing resources that guide you through each stage of the setup.
Regulated activities are specific types of support that require CQC registration. Most home care franchises apply for “personal care”, which covers help with dressing, washing, medication prompts and other day-to-day tasks.
Some services may need additional activities. For example, complex care may require an extra registration category. Night care, live-in support or specialist packages can also influence what you need to apply for.
It is important to match the activities you select to the support you intend to provide. This avoids complications later and ensures you remain compliant from the start.
Every home care franchise must nominate two people who hold specific governance roles.
The Nominated Individual oversees the service on behalf of the organisation and ensures the provider carries out duties correctly. The Registered Manager leads the day-to-day running of the service. The CQC reviews the skills, experience and suitability of both roles.
You will need to submit documents such as qualifications, references and a DBS check. The CQC also considers leadership capability, so both individuals should be prepared to discuss their understanding of safe practice, staff supervision and how quality will be maintained.
Apollo Care Franchising has partnered with sector specific recruitment agencies that will help source and vet an experienced Registered Manager to run the day-to-day operations of your business. These high calibre applicants ensure you have a strong Registered Manager from Day 1, who’ll also join you on your New Owner Training.
When you are ready, you will create an online account through the CQC portal. This is where you complete the application forms and upload your evidence. The CQC charges a fee that covers the cost of assessing and processing your registration.
After submission, the CQC will review the information and contact you for interviews. These conversations help assess your understanding of regulations, risk management and service planning. A site check may also take place so the CQC can see how you intend to operate.
Once the review is complete, you will receive your formal decision. If approved, you can move ahead with opening your home care franchise and start offering regulated support within the scope of your registration.
CQC registration can feel detailed at first, though steady preparation makes each step easier to manage. This guide has outlined the main stages, from regulated activities to leadership checks, so you know what to expect when starting the process.
Prospective franchise owners benefit from gathering documents early and building a clear picture of how their service will run. Working with an experienced franchise network can also bring structure and reassurance at each stage.
If you are exploring the idea of running your own care business and want to learn more about the process, contact our team or you can book a place on one of our Discovery Day’s to speak directly with the team and ask any questions you may have.
We’d love to answer your questions and help you discover if this path is right for you, get in touch with our friendly team today.
