Recommendation MAI-89: CQC regulation of event healthcare standards

The Department, in consultation with the CQC, has agreed to a phased approach to implementing the updated regulations, reflecting the time and resource required for registration and ongoing compliance. The registration period will begin in September 2026, followed by a 15‑month transition period before the regulations come into force, giving providers a lengthy lead-in time to make any changes to meet the required standard.

A central finding of the inquiry was clear: the Department of Health and Social Care should consider changes to the law to enable the CQC to regulate healthcare delivered at events. The CQC has outlined initial concerns about the quality of care provided at events. It has heard serious allegations where unregulated provision has resulted in harm. The Government are committed to acting on the inquiry’s recommendations and strengthening public safety. I recognise that these changes are overdue, but it was important to consider the impacts carefully, and I am pleased that they have now been laid.

The Manchester Arena Inquiry recommended that the Government make changes to the law to enable the Care Quality Commission to regulate event healthcare at sporting venues and gymnasiums, and under temporary arrangements, at sporting and cultural events to ensure public safety. The Government has considered the impacts of this change, and a public consultation allowed stakeholders to provide information on the potential effects. A de minimis impact assessment was developed.

The Department of Health and Social Care has concluded the consultations on changes to Care Quality Commission's regulations and published its response to these in December 2024. DHSC continues to engage with stakeholders and relevant government departments on plans to remove the exceptions to enable CQC to regulate event healthcare at temporary events and sports venues effectively.