CQC Registration for PCNs: Process, Timeline & Requirements with BAXCQC

This blog is for PCN leaders who:

• Are considering CQC registration for their network

• Want clarity on the process, timeline, and requirements

• Need practical advice to avoid common pitfalls

CQC registration can feel like a lot to juggle but from our experience, having the right guidance makes all the difference. That’s why we spoke to our partner, Tracy Green, General Manager at BAXCQC and former practice manager, who has extensive hands-on experience supporting PCNs through CQC registration. Tracy shares practical insights drawn directly from her work with Primary Care Networks, helping PCNs navigate the process with confidence.

By the end of this post, you’ll understand:

• Why registration matters for PCNs

• The benefits for networks and patients

• Common misconceptions

• Typical timelines and pitfalls

• How expert support can help

Why PCN CQC Registration Matters

CQC registration gives PCNs autonomy over the services they provide, rather than relying on member practices to hold individual contracts. This independence allows networks to manage services consistently and meet regulatory requirements efficiently.

Tracy explains:

“Registration allows PCNs to have consistency across practices, consolidate best practices, and demonstrate they are forward-thinking. Anyone delivering regulated activity needs to be CQC registered, so this will become essential for tendering and future frameworks.”

Registration isn’t just a box-ticking exercise, it’s an opportunity to strengthen governance, standardise policies, and demonstrate your PCN is delivering high-quality, reliable care.

Benefits of Being Registered

All too often, PCNs underestimate how much registration can help improve operations. Tracy highlights:

“If you’ve got multiple member practices, they’ll all do things slightly differently. Registration lets you consolidate, take the best from everywhere, and make things consistent across the network.”

This is your chance to standardise policies, procedures, and protocols, reducing confusion and building a stronger, more resilient network. And from a patient standpoint, registration signals quality, professionalism, and accountability.

Common Misconceptions

A lot of PCN leaders worry that registration will be too complicated or costly. In our experience, these fears are often overstated. Tracy clarifies:

“There isn’t a cost to pay to CQC to register…there is an annual fee, but the main challenge is project management and knowing the requirements.”

Our advice: don’t let perceived complexity stop you. Planning, early preparation, and understanding what’s actually required will save time, frustration, and mistakes later.

Timeline: From Preparation to CQC Registration

CQC registration can take time, so we always advise PCNs to treat it like a structured project, with clear milestones and some flexibility for unexpected requests. Below outlines a realistic roadmap based on Tracy’s guidance and our experience:

Month 0–1: Preparation

• Identify the services your PCN will provide and define responsibilities.

• Gather required documentation:

  • Enhanced DBS check for the Registered Manager and Nominated Individual if you have a separate person carrying out this role (this must be dated within the last 12 months and the CQC do not accept the DBS update service)

  • Business insurance

  • ICO registration

  • Policies, procedures, and governance documents

    
    

Month 1–2: Application Submission

• Complete registered provider, registered manager and nominated individual applications 

• Generate the essential policies that must be submitted with the applications

• Review  all forms and supporting documents for accuracy

• Collate all documents

• Submit applications to CQC

Note: Incomplete or inaccurate applications are the most common cause of delays so invest time in this step.

Month 2–4: Analyst Review

• CQC assigns an analyst to review your submission.

• This stage can take up to 8 weeks, depending on workload and completeness of documentation.

• Be ready to provide additional information or clarifications promptly.

• The CQC will use the registered manager e-mail address and will usually require any follow up documents within 48 hours so always keep up to date with reading emails.

  
  

Month 4–5: Inspector Allocation & Interviews

• Once allocated, the registration inspector reviews your application.

• Two interviews usually take place:

  • New provider interview

  • Registered manager interview and nominated individual if appropriate

• These are generally conducted virtually.

  
  

Month 5–6: Approval & Registration

• If all requirements are met, CQC issues the registration certificates, usually within 1–2 weeks.

Delays often occur due to missing documentation, late responses, or follow-up requests.

Always build in extra time for unexpected requests from CQC, keep communication channels clear, and ensure your registered manager is fully briefed and prepared. Treat registration like a project, and the process becomes far more manageable.

Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

Frequent CQC registration mistakes include:

• Lack of clarity on member practices’ roles

• Incomplete or inaccurate application forms

• Weak or inconsistent policies

• Slow responses to CQC communications

  
  

Preparation is everything, and Tracy advises to: 

• Ensure all member practices understand the process and their responsibilities

• Have the registered manager fully engaged from the start

• Review and standardise policies before submission

• Respond promptly to any CQC queries

  
  

Taking these steps early reduces stress, avoids delays, and sets your network up for a smooth registration journey.

How BAXCQC Can Help

Tracy and her team provide hands-on support:

“We complete and check all forms and information, coach for interviews, and provide ongoing compliance support through platforms, mock inspections, and tailored sessions.”

Having this kind of guidance is invaluable. The process is complex, but with experienced support, your PCN can move confidently through registration while avoiding common mistakes that slow others down.

We’ve also worked directly with BAXCQC to obtain CQC registration while assisting a PCN, and we can’t recommend them highly enough. We’ve shared a video testimonial if you’d like to know more about our experience.

Final Advice for PCN Leaders

CQC registration is not just a compliance requirement, it’s an opportunity to strengthen your PCN, improve patient experience, and demonstrate professionalism. Done well, it provides autonomy, consistency, and credibility. Done poorly, it can cause delays, frustration, and unnecessary work.

The route to success is clear: plan carefully, engage your team, and get expert support. With the right approach, registration becomes a strategic advantage rather than a bureaucratic hurdle.

Tracy’s key message:

“Know where you want to be and when. Plan backwards, understand the services you want to deliver, define responsibilities, and commit time upfront.”

Get In Touch with BAXCQC

If you’re planning how to invest in CQC registration and want support to guide your PCN through the process, our partner BAXCQC can help.

Their team specialises in supporting Primary Care Networks with registration, compliance, and governance, helping PCNs avoid common pitfalls and ensure a smooth process.

👉 Find out more at www.baxcqc.co.uk or contact our CQC Client Lead at Hannah.Walker@baxendale.co.uk.

About Us

THC Primary Care is an award-winning healthcare consultancy specialising in Primary Care Network Management and the creator of the Business of Healthcare Podcast. With over 20 years in the industry, we've supported more than 200 PCNs through interim management, training, and consultancy.

Our expertise spans project management and business development across both private and public sectors. Our work has been published in the London Journal of Primary Care, and we've authored over 250 blogs sharing insights about primary care networks.