News


We need consistency, collaboration and sector expertise in regulation, CQC told


The Care Quality Commission has said providers, people using services and other stakeholders want a more consistent, respectful and expert-led approach to regulation, following a programme of regional roadshows held across England. In a blog reflecting on the events, CQC


adult social care and integrated care chief inspector Chris Badger said the roadshows were designed to help shape “a new collective vision for what good quality regulation looks and feels like”. Mr. Badger said a common message


from attendees was that providers wanted consistency from the regulator, respectful engagement and inspection teams with a strong understanding of the sectors they oversee.


“We also know that providers and other


partners want us to work with consistency, to be treated with respect, and for our teams to understand the services we regulate in depth,” he said. The roadshows formed part of the


regulator’s wider programme of engagement as it works to improve how it regulates health and social care services, following reviews led by Dr Penny Dash and Professor Sir Mike Richards, both published in October 2024. The watchdog has since brought in a series


of wide reforms, including the introduction of separate chief inspectors and inspection frameworks for mental health, hospitals, primary care and social care. Mr Badger said participants consistently


told the regulator they wanted CQC teams to have a deeper understanding of the services they regulate and to apply regulatory judgements fairly and consistently. “Providers and other partners want us


to work with consistency, to be treated with respect, and for our teams to understand the services we regulate in depth,” he said. His comments come after the watchdog


told The Care Home Environment it plans to introduce new training for its inspector workforce “to help support and protect provider welfare”.


Care sector pays tribute to healthcare lawyer Paul Ridout


Senior care leaders have paid tribute to Paul Ridout, the healthcare solicitor and founder of specialist regulatory law firm Ridouts, following his unexpected death over the summer, describing him as a pioneer, mentor and one of the sector’s most trusted advisers. Following the announcement by HCR


Law, which acquired Ridouts in 2024, tributes to Mr Ridout as a leading figure in health and social care regulation whose influence spanned more than five decades came from across the sector.. Throughout his career, he advised care


providers, regulators, developers and investors, earning a reputation as one of the sector’s foremost legal experts. He also authored legal textbooks and industry


guidance and remained actively involved in client work until his death, HCR said. Among those paying tribute was Fortava


Healthcare co-founder Johann van Zyl, who described Mr Ridout’s death as “a huge loss” and “the end of an era”, recalling the support he provided during a Care Quality Commission challenge in a former role. Former colleague Jenny Wilde, now


senior partner at Acuity Law, described him as “a giant in the sector” and a generous mentor who helped shape the careers of many healthcare lawyers. Hesley Group chief commercial officer


David Maynard said Mr Ridout had combined exceptional expertise with warmth and had made an enormous contribution to health and social care.


10 www.thecarehomeenvironment.com September 2026


Dunham expands Kent presence with new homes and £13m funding deal


Dunham Care Homes has underpinned expansion plans in Kent with a joint venture deal to develop two new care homes and securing a £13m funding facility for its first operational home. The new operator has entered into


a partnership with Aspire-LPP Limited to deliver purpose-built care homes in Coxheath and Canterbury following the acquisition of two consented development sites. Once completed, the schemes will provide a combined 146 en suite wetroom bedrooms, alongside facilities including cafés, salons, landscaped gardens and resident lounges. The developments form part of the


growth strategy of the McGoff Group’s care operating division, which opened its first home, Herne Bay Manor, earlier this year. Separately, the group said it has


secured a five-year £13m funding facility from Virgin Money to support the continued stabilisation and long-term operation of Herne Bay Manor. The transaction refinances development funding previously provided by Octopus Real Estate, which backed the wider scheme, including a retirement village of 50 Villafont Concierge bungalows. It said the financing agreement


marks the beginning of a new funding relationship with Virgin Money as Dunham continues to expand its healthcare portfolio. The operator has previously


stated that a further eight care home developments either have planning consent or are progressing through the planning system and are expected to be delivered over the next five to seven years, with several schemes planned for the South East as the business seeks to grow its regional footprint.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52