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If you run a CQC-registered clinic in England, your website is not just a marketing tool — it is a compliance requirement. The Care Quality Commission expects certain information to be publicly accessible, and your website is the most scrutinised place they look.
Yet most clinic websites fail basic CQC compliance checks. Missing registration numbers, outdated inspection ratings, inaccessible complaint procedures — these are the issues that trigger regulatory attention and erode patient trust simultaneously.
What Information Must a CQC-Registered Clinic Display on Its Website?
Every CQC-registered provider must display the following on their website:
- CQC registration number — visible on the homepage or a dedicated compliance page
- Latest CQC inspection rating — with a direct link to your CQC profile page
- Registered manager details — name and contact information
- Complaints procedure — clear process for patients to raise concerns
- Statement of purpose — the regulated activities you are registered to provide
- Contact information — address, phone number, and email for the registered location
- Safeguarding policy summary — how you protect vulnerable adults and children
Missing any of these can result in a requirement notice during inspection. More practically, savvy patients now check CQC ratings before booking — if your website does not display your rating prominently, they assume it is poor.
How Should CQC Ratings Be Displayed on a Clinic Website?
Display your CQC rating using the official CQC widget or badge on your homepage. The badge should link directly to your provider page on the CQC website. Do not use screenshots or static images that could become outdated after a new inspection.
Best Practices for CQC Rating Display
- Place the CQC badge in your website footer so it appears on every page
- Include it on your homepage above the fold if your rating is Good or Outstanding
- Add a dedicated "Our CQC Rating" page with context about what each rating means
- Update the display within 48 hours of any new inspection report being published
If your rating is Requires Improvement, do not hide it. Transparency builds more trust than concealment. Add context about the improvements you have made since the inspection.
What Accessibility Standards Must UK Clinic Websites Meet?
UK clinic websites should comply with WCAG 2.1 Level AA accessibility standards. While this is legally mandated for public sector websites under the Equality Act 2010, private clinics have a moral and practical obligation to ensure their websites are accessible to all patients, including those with disabilities.
Key accessibility requirements include:
- Alt text on all images — descriptive text for screen readers
- Keyboard navigation — all functionality accessible without a mouse
- Colour contrast — minimum 4.5:1 ratio for body text
- Readable fonts — minimum 16px body text, clear sans-serif typefaces
- Form labels — every input field must have an associated label
- Video captions — all video content should have subtitles or transcripts
- Responsive design — fully functional on mobile devices and tablets
An accessibility audit is worth commissioning before your website goes live. Costs typically range from £500 to £2,000 and can prevent discrimination complaints and improve your site's usability for all patients.
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Book a free 15-minute callWhat Pages Should a CQC-Compliant Clinic Website Have?
A well-structured clinic website should include these core pages:
- Homepage — clear value proposition, CQC rating, key services
- About / Our Team — practitioner bios with qualifications and GMC/GDC numbers
- Services — individual pages for each service you offer
- Fees / Pricing — transparent pricing builds trust and reduces admin enquiries
- Patient Information — what to expect, pre-appointment instructions
- Complaints Procedure — mandatory for CQC compliance
- Privacy Policy — GDPR-compliant data handling statement
- Contact / Book — online booking, phone, email, and map
- Blog / Resources — educational content that supports SEO
How Much Does a CQC-Compliant Website Cost?
A professionally designed, CQC-compliant clinic website in the UK typically costs between £3,000 and £15,000. The wide range reflects differences in design complexity, number of pages, booking system integration, and ongoing support.
| Website Tier | Price Range | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | £3,000–£5,000 | 5-8 pages, mobile responsive, basic SEO |
| Professional | £5,000–£10,000 | 10-15 pages, online booking, CQC integration |
| Premium | £10,000–£15,000+ | Custom design, patient portal, advanced SEO |
FAQ
Will CQC inspect my website?
CQC inspectors routinely review clinic websites as part of their inspection process. They check for required information including registration details, complaints procedures, and displayed ratings. An incomplete or misleading website can contribute to a lower inspection outcome.
Do I need a cookie consent banner on my clinic website?
Yes. Under UK GDPR (the Data Protection Act 2018), any website using cookies must obtain informed consent from visitors. This includes analytics cookies, advertising trackers, and social media embeds. A simple cookie consent banner with clear opt-in/opt-out options is sufficient.
Can I use patient photos on my clinic website?
You can use patient photos with explicit written consent. Create a photography consent form that specifies exactly where images will be used (website, social media, print materials). Patients must be able to withdraw consent at any time. Never use identifiable patient images without documented permission.