England’s health and social care regulator, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) will launch a public consultation this autumn to rebuild its regulatory framework after a series of internal failings and independent reviews. The consultation invites healthcare providers, sector stakeholders and the public to share feedback on proposed reforms aimed at improving transparency, consistency and accountability.
Two reviews in 2024, led by Dr. Penny Dash and Professor Sir Mike Richards, exposed major weaknesses in the CQC’s operations. They found unclear rating methods, declining sector expertise and slow performance. Both reviews urged the regulator to rebuild internal knowledge, clarify how it assesses providers and strengthen oversight.
The CQC currently regulates both surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures carried out by registered healthcare professionals. These include cosmetic surgery, liposuction and prescription-based treatments. However, practitioners report inconsistent inspections, long delays and limited understanding from inspectors who lack experience in the aesthetics sector.
Aesthetic doctor Olivia McCabe-Robinson and nurse practitioner Tracey Jones say the CQC should adopt a sector-specific inspection model. They believe the current one-size-fits-all approach, designed for hospitals and GP clinics, does not reflect how aesthetic services operate. McCabe-Robinson says issues like consent, product traceability and patient safety deserve more focused oversight.
The consultation aligns with government plans to license non-surgical cosmetic procedures announced in August 2025. The Department of Health and Social Care confirmed that high-risk treatments, such as the non-surgical Brazilian butt lift, will soon fall under the CQC’s authority.
CQC engagement director Chris Day said the new model will roll out after the consultation. “We’ll keep learning, adjusting and improving as we go,” he said. McCabe-Robinson urged practitioners to take part, adding that “nothing will change for patients unless everyone contributes.”
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