Arrest of CQC inspector confirmed after care regulator refers gross misconduct to police

The City of London police have confirmed the arrest of a former Care Quality Commission (CQC) employee, on suspicion of bribery and money laundering, relating to allegations that care home proprietors have been offered better inspection reports in return for the payment of fees.

Arrested at her home in Northamptonshire the unnamed 42-year-old is currently being questioned by police, who are also appealing for any other care industry professionals encountering bribery to contact the care regulator on 03000 616161.

Confirming the arrest, DI James Clancey, said: “We are working closely with CQC to thoroughly investigate these allegations. We are appealing to anyone who may have information linked to these allegations to come forward.”

Confirming that an inspector has been dismissed for gross misconduct, director of governance and legal services at the CQC, Louise Guss, said: “Having investigated allegations made to us about this inspector and found these were substantiated, we terminated their employment with immediate effect and referred the matter to the police.

“This inspector has failed the organisation, failed the providers who rely on us to act fairly and impartially, and – most importantly – failed in their responsibility to protect people who use services through identification of poor care.

“CQC operates a zero tolerance policy in regard to fraudulent or dishonest behaviour. As this case makes clear, we take any credible allegations relating to this behaviour extremely seriously and, following a full investigation, will take the swiftest and most severe action possible against any member of staff found guilty."