Getting CQC-registered is one of the biggest hurdles for new homecare providers. It’s exciting — but let’s be honest — it can also be long, confusing, and frustrating.

The good news? Most delays are completely avoidable.

At Big Sister, we’ve helped hundreds of care businesses through the CQC process. We know where people get stuck — and how to fix it fast.

So, whether you’re applying on your own or as a Big Sister shareholder, here are the 10 most common CQC slow-downsand how to overcome them.

Weak Statement of Purpose

Your statement of purpose is one of the first things CQC reviewers read. If it’s vague, generic, or doesn’t align with the service you actually intend to offer, it raises red flags.

Fix it:
Be crystal clear. Include:

Who you support (e.g., older people, people with dementia)
Where you operate
What services you provide (e.g., personal care, companionship, nursing)
Your values and approach

Need help? At Big Sister, we write these with you — making sure it’s strategic and inspection-ready.

Missing Policies or Templates

CQC wants to see evidence that you can run a safe, effective service — and that means policies. Lots of them. From safeguarding to infection control, they expect a full suite of documentation.

Fix it:
Don’t copy and paste random online templates. Instead, invest in sector-specific policies tailored to your business model and local authority expectations.

(And yes — Big Sister includes these in our compliance package.)

Unprepared Nominated Individual or Registered Manager

CQC interviews both the Nominated Individual and Registered Manager. If they stumble on key questions about the service, legislation, or the KLOEs (Key Lines of Enquiry), the application stalls.

Fix it:
Prepare like it’s a job interview — because it is.
Study the Health and Social Care Act 2008, Fundamental Standards, and KLOEs.
Practice your answers with someone who knows the sector — ideally someone who’s been through it.

No Location Secured

You can’t register a care business without listing a physical location. If you’re waiting to find a registered office or haven’t secured the lease, the application goes nowhere.

Fix it:
Secure a business address early — even if it’s a small office space. It must be a location where regulated activity can be coordinated from (not a PO Box).

Big Sister shareholders? We help source and set this up for you.

Poor Understanding of the Regulated Activity

Some applicants tick boxes for activities they don’t understand — like “treatment of disease” or “nursing care” — without having the right staff or qualifications in place.

Fix it:
Be honest and realistic about what you’re actually delivering. If you’re only delivering personal care, don’t overextend. You can always amend your registration later.

Incomplete Fit Person Interview Prep

The Fit Person Interview is where CQC assesses your character, leadership, and compliance knowledge. Many applicants underestimate it — and panic when questions get technical.

Fix it:
Treat this like a professional audit. Review your DBS, references, work history, and training. Be ready to explain how you’ll ensure safety, dignity, and person-centred care.

Need coaching? It’s part of the Big Sister onboarding.

Technical Errors or Document Gaps

It’s shocking how many applications are delayed due to small errors — missing signatures, incorrect formatting, outdated references, or wrongly uploaded documents.

Fix it:
Triple-check everything before submission. Have a second pair of eyes review it. At Big Sister, our compliance team handles the entire upload and formatting process for you.

Slow Response Times During the Application Process

Once your application is submitted, CQC may ask for follow-up documents or clarifications. If you delay your response, your application drops down the priority queue.

Fix it:
Check your inbox daily. Respond to CQC queries within 24 hours where possible. Create a CQC folder where all essential documents are ready to go in case they’re requested again.

Delays in DBS or References for Registered Persons

Your DBS and professional references must be current and compliant. If they’re not submitted early or contain errors, everything slows down.

Fix it:
Apply for your DBS early. Make sure your references are from professional sources — not friends or family — and clearly state your role, responsibilities, and dates of employment.

Trying to Do It All Alone

Perhaps the most common — and costly — mistake. Trying to “figure it out as you go” leads to longer wait times, resubmissions, and more stress than necessary.

Fix it:
Invest in support from someone who’s done this before. That might be a consultant — or it might be a growth partner like Big Sister, who handles everything from policies to people.

Bonus: What Happens After Registration?

Getting your CQC registration is just the beginning. You now need:

Clients to generate income
Carers to deliver the care
Marketing to stay visible
Compliance to stay safe

And guess what? That’s where many new founders freeze again.

At Big Sister, we don’t just help you get registered. We make sure you launch with confidence — with:
Clients in your pipeline
Private work and local authority contracts
A stunning brand and website
Full compliance systems
Ongoing support to scale