How to show your CQC rating on your practice website
By Sreeni, Editor · Last reviewed 20 October 2026 · 4 minute read
The rule
Regulation 20A of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 says every website maintained by or for a rated provider must show its CQC rating. It applies to your practice website, and to any other website where you describe your service.
The CQC takes it seriously. Its guidance on the regulation says it can prosecute a breach without first serving a warning notice.
What to show
- The CQC’s website address
- A link to the page on the CQC website with your latest report
- Your most recent overall rating
- Ratings for particular sites or services, if you have them, making clear which rating is for which
- The date each rating was given
The regulation says it must be legible and displayed conspicuously, somewhere patients can easily get to. A rating on an inside page that patients have to hunt for isn’t conspicuous. On the homepage, or on every page, is.
How quickly
The CQC’s guidance on displaying ratings says you must show a new rating on your website and premises within 21 calendar days of it being published on the CQC website. That still applies if you’ve asked for a review of the rating.
If you’re rated requires improvement or inadequate, the CQC encourages you to explain what you’re doing to improve, next to the rating. You can also add a note that you’ve asked for a review, as long as the rating itself stays clear.
The CQC widget
The CQC provides a free widget for websites. It shows your current rating, the date and a link to your report, and it updates itself when a new rating is published, so you can’t forget. You get the code for it from the CQC’s display your ratings page, and your website supplier adds it. You don’t have to use the widget: your own wording is fine, as long as it shows everything in the list above.
Common mistakes
- Showing an old rating. A hand-typed “Rated Good” badge from years ago breaks the rule the day a new rating is published.
- No date. Every rating shown must include the date the CQC gave it.
- Only on one site. If you describe your practice on more than one website, such as a PCN or group site, each one needs the rating.
- A widget that doesn’t load. Check it on a phone. Some cookie banners and old templates stop it from showing.
Questions
How quickly must we update our website after a new CQC rating?
Within 21 calendar days of the CQC publishing it, even if you've asked for a review of the rating.
Do we have to use the CQC widget?
No, but it's the easiest way. It shows your current rating, the date and a link to your report, and updates itself.
What if we haven't been rated yet?
Then there's no rating to show. Once you're rated, the rule applies.
Correct as of October 2026. This guide reflects Regulation 20A and the CQC's guidance at that date. Check the CQC's latest guidance (linked above) before acting on it.
This guide is general information, not legal or contractual advice.