The Role of a Care Provider and Nominated Individual: Understanding Two Key Positions in Social Care

In health and social care, strong leadership isn’t optional—it’s essential. Behind every safe, effective, and compliant care service are people who take legal responsibility for how that service is run. Two of the most important roles defined by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) are the Care Provider and the Nominated Individual.

Although these roles are closely linked, they are not the same. Understanding the difference—and the responsibilities of each—is vital for any organisation offering regulated activities in England.

This blog breaks down what each role does, why they matter, and how they work together to ensure high-quality care.

What Is a Care Provider?

The Care Provider is the legal entity responsible for delivering regulated care services. Depending on how the organisation is structured, the provider may be:

An individual (sole trader)

A partnership

A limited company or organisation

A local authority or charity

The provider is ultimately accountable for the quality and safety of care, even if there are managers in place. This includes making sure the right governance, staffing, systems, and resources are available to support safe care delivery.

Key Responsibilities of the Care Provider

Registering with the CQC

The provider must complete the registration process, define regulated activities, and submit a Statement of Purpose.

Ensuring Compliance with Regulations

They must comply with the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations, CQC standards, and other legal requirements.

Providing Adequate Resources

This includes staffing, training, premises, equipment, technology, and policies.

Supporting Leadership and Management

Even if they don’t manage day-to-day operations, they must ensure effective leadership structures are in place.

Maintaining Oversight and Governance

Regular audits, quality monitoring, risk management, and complaint handling fall under their responsibility.

Ensuring Safe, Person-Centred Care

Ultimately, the provider is responsible for ensuring services remain safe, responsive, caring, effective, and well-led.

The provider is the top level of accountability—everything that happens in the service traces back to this role.

What Is a Nominated Individual?

If the provider is a company or organisation, the CQC requires them to appoint a Nominated Individual (NI). This person acts as the official link between the provider and the CQC.

The Nominated Individual is not necessarily involved in day-to-day care delivery (although they can be). Instead, their role is to oversee how regulated activities are managed across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities of the Nominated Individual

Acting as the Main Point of Contact with the CQC

They receive essential updates, respond to queries, and ensure the CQC has accurate information.

Ensuring Quality and Compliance Across the Service

The NI must have oversight of all locations and ensure they are meeting CQC standards.

Supporting and Monitoring Registered Managers

They ensure managers have the right skills, resources, and support.

Notifying the CQC of Significant Changes

This includes leadership changes, service changes, incidents, or new locations.

Promoting Strong Governance and Oversight

They review audits, risk assessments, incidents, complaints, and quality improvement plans.

Escalating Risks and Taking Action

They intervene when services are struggling or falling behind standards.

The Nominated Individual is the bridge between high-level governance and everyday service delivery.

How the Care Provider and Nominated Individual Work Together

Although their responsibilities differ, both roles are essential—and their effectiveness depends on collaboration.

Together, they ensure:

Compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements

Clear leadership and accountability

Strong governance systems across all locations

Transparent communication with the CQC

Rapid response to risks, incidents, or quality concerns

Continuous improvement and learning

A well-run care organisation often has a provider and NI who communicate regularly, share oversight responsibilities, and work proactively to maintain quality.

Common Challenges—and How to Address Them

Many services struggle because these roles are misunderstood or under-supported. Common issues include:

The provider being “hands-off” and unaware of problems

The NI not having enough oversight

Poor communication between managers and leadership

Weak governance structures

Lack of training or unclear responsibilities

CQC challenges due to poor documentation or slow improvements

Care consultancy agencies often help clarify these roles, strengthen governance, and build frameworks that help providers and NIs succeed.

Why These Roles Matter More Than Ever

With CQC regulation evolving and public expectations increasing, care providers and nominated individuals play an essential role in:

Upholding safety

Ensuring dignity and compassion

Building trust with families

Meeting regulatory demands

Leading reliable, well-governed services

Strong leadership at this level shapes everything that happens on the frontline.

Final Thoughts

The Care Provider and Nominated Individual roles form the backbone of every regulated care service in England. When these positions are strong, informed, and proactive, care settings thrive. When they are unclear or under-supported, quality problems quickly emerge.

Understanding these roles—and investing in effective governance—helps create services that are safe, compliant, and truly centred on the people they support.