Care Quality Commission

The CQC is the independent regulator of health and social care created from the merger in April 2009 of the Commission for Care Inspection, the Health Commission and the Mental Health Act Commission. Its aim is to ensure better health and care whether in hospital, in care homes, in people’s own homes, or elsewhere.

The commission regulates health and adult social care services, whether provided by the NHS, local authorities, private companies or voluntary organisations. It is also charged to protect the rights of people detained under the Mental Health Act.

Chief executive: Cynthia Bower
Chair: Baroness Young
Address: Citygate, Gallowgate, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4W11
Telephone: 03000 616161
Website: www.cqc.org.uk
Other UK equivalents: There are inspectorates in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, but not all have the overview given to the CQC.