Neil Andrew Grant
Neil Grant has worked as a regulatory lawyer in the health and social care sector for over twenty-five years, developing a national reputation in dealing with complex large-scale enquiries often involving multiple agencies such as the Care Quality Commission, local authorities and the police. He is a partner at Gordons Partnership Solicitors whose offices are in London and Guildford. Previously Neil worked at Capsticks, Bevan Brittan and Ridouts Solicitors.
Although Neil only acts for providers, not regulators, commissioners or service users, his advice is informed by having acted in the past for inspectorates and other public bodies at a very senior level. He also has a particular interest in Regulatory Policy and how it impacts on the sector, not always benevolently.
Although Neil only acts for providers, not regulators, commissioners or service users, his advice is informed by having acted in the past for inspectorates and other public bodies at a very senior level. He also has a particular interest in Regulatory Policy and how it impacts on the sector, not always benevolently.
Practice Area
Panel
- Contributing Author
Qualified Year
- 1992
Education
- Jesus College, Oxford
3 Contributions by Neil Andrew Grant
PRACTICE NOTES
Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspections and performance assessments: statutory powers, ratings, processes and forthcoming reforms (England)
FORTHCOMING CHANGE:
As at the end of May 2025, the CQC is re-evaluating its inspection and assessment framework, exploring how it might be refined to better judge each category of service. The future format is not yet confirmed; nevertheless, for now the ‘Single Assessment Framework’ remains in place, at present, with changes focused on the scoring approach. Evidence categories are no longer awarded scores; instead, only the quality statements are rated, a model referred to as the hybrid approach. CQC plans to run a consultation on updates to the Single Assessment Framework in Autumn 2025, with a view to bringing in revisions during 2026. It is expected that the quality statements could be streamlined (there are currently 34), and that CQC will add certain rating characteristics to support greater consistency. Such rating characteristics existed before the Single Assessment Framework was introduced in December 2023. CQC has also indicated it will publish a provider handbook setting out its revised methodology, alongside a charter of values and behaviours named ‘The CQC Way’ in due course. This Practice Note outlines the powers and practice of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) when it undertakes inspections and reviews of registered care providers.
What is the CQC?...
Local Government
PRACTICE NOTES
Care Quality Commission (England): statutory framework, roles and powers covering registration, assessments, inspections, enforcement, market oversight, appeals and Mental Health Act functions
FORTHCOMING CHANGE:
As at July 2025, the CQC is actively reviewing its inspection and assessment framework, exploring amendments to make evaluation of each service type more effective. While the eventual model is not yet known, for the present the ‘Single Assessment Framework’ continues to operate, with scoring adjustments in place. These revisions relate specifically to scoring arrangements. Under the current hybrid approach, evidence categories are no longer scored; instead, only quality statements receive ratings. (See: CQC scoring approach). This Practice Note outlines the role, powers and functions of the .
What is the CQC?
The CQC is a non-departmental statutory body, sponsored by the Department of Health and Social Care, which regulates health and social care services in England, and protects the interests of people whose rights are restricted under the Mental Health Act 1983 (MeHA 1983).
The CQC’s legal framework
The CQC was established by the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (HSCA 2008) and came into force in 2009...
Local Government
PRACTICE NOTES
Care Quality Commission enforcement in England: offences, notices, registration conditions, suspension/cancellation, urgent procedures, prosecutions, special measures and appeals
This Practice Note outlines how the Care Quality Commission (CQC) applies its powers and approach to sanctions and enforcement.
What is the CQC?
The CQC is a non-departmental statutory body, sponsored by the Department of Health and Social Care. It regulates health and social care services in England and safeguards the interests of people whose rights are restricted under the Mental Health Act 1983 (MeHA 1983). See Practice Note: Care Quality Commission (CQC).
The relevant legal framework for enforcement
The CQC’s enforcement powers are derived from:
the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (HSCA 2008)
the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, SI 2014/2936
the Care Quality Commission (Registration) Regulations 2009, SI 2009/3112
the Legislative and Regulatory Reform Act 2006 (LRRA 2006) and the Regulators’ Code
For registered services, enforcement action is taken against registered persons—namely the registered provider or the registered manager—except for the offence of obstructing an inspector while carrying out their duties, which applies to any person...
Local Government
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