A prominent and ongoing theme for the healthcare and care sector in 2024 was the focus on compliance and thorough reporting.
Updates to policy and assessment frameworks mean that care providers are having to be more diligent than ever with evidencing the areas in which they are achieving compliance and where improvements or follow up actions are required.
In this blog, we outline some of the key policy and compliance updates that providers need to be aware of – and how they can set themselves up for success in 2025.
Healthcare Compliance Updates 2024
Regulatory Updates in Healthcare
CQC Inspections
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has updated its inspection model to a single assessment framework that is used across all care providers. The assessment criteria remains similar under the new framework but there’s an increased focus on gathering a real-time, data-driven oversight.
This shift emphasises continuous monitoring and requires healthcare providers to adopt robust data management practices to ensure compliance and maintain high-quality care standards.
Integrated Care Systems (ICSs)
New regulations for Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) aim to improve collaboration between healthcare providers and local authorities. While these regulations promote cohesive and patient-centred care tailored to local needs, they also present challenges in aligning practices and resources across multiple organisations.
Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)
The MHRA has tightened reporting requirements for medical devices and pharmaceuticals, emphasising safety and transparency. These updates demand rigorous documentation and compliance, aligning with the UK’s evolving regulatory framework post-Brexit.
Workforce Policies and Compliance
Mandatory Reporting on Staffing Levels
New regulations require NHS and care facilities to report on safe staffing levels, ensuring transparency and accountability. These measures aim to improve workforce planning and address ongoing staff shortages effectively.
Audit Requirements
There is an increased emphasis on robust audit trails and accountability in data handling. The aim is to enhance transparency and trust within the healthcare sector.
Environmental Sustainability Reporting
Net Zero Targets
NHS Trusts and healthcare providers face new reporting requirements under the NHS Green Plan, focusing on progress toward net zero targets. Meeting these goals presents challenges in terms of effective reporting and monitoring but highlights the sector’s commitment to sustainability.
Waste Management Standards
Stricter regulations on clinical and pharmaceutical waste disposal require healthcare facilities to adopt sustainable practices. Compliance ensures environmental responsibility while maintaining safety and efficiency.
Social Care Reporting and Compliance
Safeguarding Adults Reviews (SARs)
A national analysis of SARs was published in July 2024 and identified areas of improvement to prioritise. New standards for reporting safeguarding incidents aim to foster a culture of learning and improvement in social care. These updates emphasise accountability and better outcomes for vulnerable adults.
Fair Cost of Care Reports
Local authorities are now required to publish data on the costs of delivering quality adult social care. These reports improve transparency in funding and resource allocation. However, in July 2024, it was announced that the adult social care charging reforms that were agreed under the previous Conservative government will not be taken forward in October 2025.
Three Tips to Streamline Compliance in 2025
With all of these increasing regulatory demands, care providers should lean on technology to lessen the burden of reporting and adopt strategic approaches to ensure compliance in 2025.
In order to achieve this, here are three key actions to focus on:
1. Invest in Staff Training and Empowerment
Regular training on safeguarding, mental health first aid, and updated regulations equips staff to meet compliance requirements effectively.
Empowering teams with clear protocols and ongoing support increases the chances of adopting new reporting methods and ensures more accurate and consistent adherence to standards.
2. Commit to Sustainability and Continuous Improvement
With the increasing emphasis on sustainability, providers must be able to demonstrate how they align with environmental goals such as the NHS Green Plan.
Proactively reducing waste and putting mechanisms in place to track net zero progress is an important first step for providers. Building a culture of learning through regular reviews, safeguarding assessments, and measurable improvements enhances both compliance and care quality.
3. Streamline Reporting with Digital Tools
Streamlining reporting with digital tools like Vatix is essential for managing the increasing complexity of healthcare compliance. These platforms enable providers to log incidents in real-time, maintain centralised and secure records, and generate analytics to identify trends and proactively address gaps. By consolidating data into a single, accessible system, providers save time and reduce errors, ensuring they can quickly respond to regulatory demands from bodies like the CQC or MHRA.
Vatix goes beyond basic record-keeping by offering actionable insights and tailored reporting tools that help providers prepare for inspections and audits with ease. The platform’s flexibility and scalability make it an ideal solution for organisations of all sizes, allowing care providers to stay agile and maintain consistent compliance as regulations evolve.
Set yourself up for success
As the healthcare and social care sectors evolve, achieving compliance in 2025 will depend on proactive planning, effective reporting, and strategic use of technology.
The increasing complexity of regulations, from real-time oversight by the CQC to the NHS Green Plan’s sustainability goals, requires providers to stay agile and informed.
By investing in staff training, committing to continuous improvement, and leveraging digital tools like Vatix for streamlined reporting, care providers can not only meet regulatory requirements but also enhance the quality of care they deliver.
Learn how Vatix can reduce your compliance management burden – and set your organisation up for success in 2025.
