Care Quality Commission (CQC)

Expert legal advice. Supporting care providers with CQC inspections, enforcement action and sustainable regulatory compliance.

We're proactive

We don’t just look after you, we look out for you. That means we bring you insights, advice and keep you up to date on all kinds of legal matters so you can keep ahead.

We’re expert-led

We match a member of the team with the right expertise to every client, who will invest time getting to know you, who will look after your interests and ensure you have access to the whole firm when you need it.

We talk your language

The legal and financial matters might be complex, but we aim to keep things straightforward and explain everything in terms that are relevant to you.

Overview

Clear, strategic legal advice when the CQC is scrutinising your service

Preparing for a CQC inspection with confidence

Health and social care providers in England are legally obliged to register with the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

CQC inspections can be demanding. Ratings affect reputation, funding and occupancy levels. A single critical report can have lasting consequences. We help you prepare by reviewing policies, governance structures and quality assurance systems against the CQC’s key lines of enquiry. You will know where you stand and what needs attention before inspectors arrive.

Responding to adverse findings and warning notices

If you receive a draft inspection report, warning notice or requirement notice, time is short. Your response must be accurate, evidence-based and strategic. We will analyse the findings to help you challenge inaccuracies and support you in drafting detailed representations. Where improvement is required, we will work with you to put credible action plans in place.

Enforcement action and prosecution defence

In serious cases, the CQC may impose conditions, suspend registration or pursue prosecution. These steps can threaten the viability of your service. Our expert team act swiftly to protect your registration and your business. We will engage with the regulator, advise on appeals to the First-Tier Tribunal and defend criminal proceedings where necessary.

Building long-term regulatory resilience

Compliance is not a one-off exercise. It requires strong leadership, effective training and clear reporting structures. We advise boards and registered managers on governance, safeguarding, duty of candour and fit and proper person requirements. Our focus is practical: helping you embed systems that stand up to inspection and support safe, high-quality care.

Tees Law boasts a team of solicitors with deep expertise in various legal fields. This multi-disciplinary approach allows the firm to provide comprehensive solutions tailored to client needs.
Legal 500 UK, 2026

Our expertise

Our CQC and regulatory team advises on:

Inspection preparation and mock audits
Draft report challenges and factual accuracy responses
Warning notices, requirement notices and enforcement action
Conditions of registration and suspension
Appeals to the First-tier Tribunal (Care Standards)
CQC prosecutions and criminal defence
Safeguarding and duty of candour compliance
Governance reviews and regulatory training for senior teams

Contact us today

Please complete this form and one of our team will be in touch with you shortly.

Telephone

0800 013 1165

Legal and financial advice

Our multi-disciplinary team can help you with all aspects of buying and selling a business.

We have experienced lawyers with deep sector knowledge who can advise on Real Estate acquisitions and disposals.

At Tees, we have our own in-house independent financial advisers who can help you to maximise profits from your business disposal, look at all pension issues and help you invest for the security of your future.