Disputed signatures on contracts: what happens when a signature is challenged?
At Tees, we advise businesses and individuals involved in disputes about whether a signature on a contract or other legal
Regulatory Law
Care Quality Commission (CQC)
Expert legal advice. Supporting care providers with CQC inspections, enforcement action and sustainable regulatory compliance.
110+
years of service
26+
experienced partners
400+
advisers and growing
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.
"There is a depth of knowledge in the team, with a variety of specialist practitioners." Legal 500 2027
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.
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.
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.
Get in touch today, we’re here to help
If you need help with Care Quality Commission (CQC) registration, compliance or regulatory matters, our specialist healthcare lawyers can provide clear, practical advice tailored to your organisation. We can help you understand your regulatory obligations, prepare for CQC inspections, respond to concerns and navigate enforcement action, helping you remain compliant and protect your organisation.
We have offices across Cambridgeshire, Essex and Hertfordshire, but we can help you wherever you are in England and Wales.
Key people
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What our clients say
★★★★★
“Very efficient organsation, excellent and timely communication at each stage of the work. Clear information about processes and costing. Legal language explained clearly in layman’s terms.”
Legal 500 2027
Firm wide quote
★★★★★
“The team at Tees is fantastic: knowledgeable, technically skilled, commercially astute, and always goes the extra mile for their clients. They know how to prepare a case and provide commercial and legal advice that is exceptional.”
Legal 500 2027
Firm wide quote
★★★★★
“Very competent and professional. Explained things clearly and gave sound advice and recommendations. Strong communication – responsive and timely.”
Legal 500 2027
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Frequently asked questions
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Care Quality Commission FAQs
Can we challenge a CQC inspection report?
Yes. There is a factual accuracy process and, in some cases, grounds for appeal. Act quickly.
What happens if our registration is suspended?
You may have a right of appeal. Early legal advice can help protect your position.
Are CQC offences criminal?
Some breaches can lead to criminal prosecution and unlimited fines.
How can we improve our CQC rating?
A structured governance review and clear action plan are key. We can guide you through both.
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