The report, led by Dr Penny Dash, chair of the North West London ICB, said the failings were hampering the CQC's ability to identify poor performance at hospitals, care homes and GP practices.   

Wes Streeting, secretary of state for health and social care, who has fully endorsed the report's findings, said: ‘Patient safety is the bedrock of a healthy NHS and social care system. That's why we are taking steps to reform the CQC, to root out poor performance and ensure patients can have confidence in its ratings once again.  

‘This Government will never turn a blind eye to failure. An overly complex system of healthcare regulation and oversight is no good for patients or providers. We will overhaul the system to make it effective and efficient, to protect patient safety.'

The report confirms significant failings at the CQC in regard to its operational effectiveness - including poor performance in relation to inspections and a lack of capacity and capability to deliver improvements.     

It provides seven specific recommendations for improvement, including recommending that the CQC formally pauses the implementation of its assessments of Integrated Care Systems as it works to restore public confidence in health and care regulation.

The Health and Social Care Secretary has asked Dr Dash to conduct two further reviews moving her focus from operational effectiveness to patient safety and quality.

The first review will assess how patient can be reviewed by examining the roles of: the CQC including the maternity programme; National Guardian's Office; Healthwatch England and the Local Healthwatch network; the Health Services Safety Investigation Body; Patient Safety Commissioner; and NHS Resolution (quality and safety functions only). 

All findings will inform the government's 10-Year Health Plan to transform the NHS and social care and make them fit for the future.   

Publication of the report coincided with the CQC's publication of an internal review of its single assessment framework.

Ian Dilks, chair of CQC, said: ‘Both reviews have reaffirmed the support for a robust health and care regulator and recognised the dedication and experience of CQC staff. We are committed to rebuilding trust in CQC's regulation and are taking action to make sure we have the right structure, processes, and technology in place to help us fulfil our vital role of helping people get good care and supporting providers to improve.'

The CQC has made a number of commitments in response to the reports, including:

• appointing at least three chief inspectors to lead on regulation and improvement of hospitals, primary care, and adult social care services
• modifying the current assessment framework to make it simpler and ensure it is relevant to each sector
• ensuring the right systems and tools are in place to support its regulatory activity
• improving the experience for providers registering with CQC.

The CQC also agreed to pause its ICS assessments for six months.