Once we have received an application, we will check that the information submitted is sufficient to make an assessment.
Once we are satisfied that we have the information we need, we will use the information submitted in the application alongside publicly available evidence (such as that held by Companies House) to undertake checks that the provider meets our eligibility requirements.
We will assess the evidence that has been submitted to determine whether the provider satisfies the initial conditions of registration.
Timescales
The time it will take to reach a decision depends on a number of factors, including whether:
- the provider submits all the information we need in its first submission and responds to any questions or requests for further information by the deadlines we set
- the provider is ready for a visit as part of the assessment of condition B7, if one is required
- where applicable, the provider is ready to submit the information the DQB requires for its standards assessment as soon as we make a referral
- our assessment identifies complex issues which need to be resolved during the assessment process
- our assessment identifies areas of concern that result in a provisional decision to refuse registration.
This means that we cannot give a precise timescale for each provider.
Where a provider submits all the information we need and engages with us responsively during the registration process, the indicative timetable shown below provides a reasonable guide:
| Step of registration process |
Indicative timeframe |
|
OfS checks whether application is complete and confirms this with provider
|
4 weeks
Additional time may be needed for a provider to resubmit information if the application is incomplete
|
|
OfS assesses eligibility, and undertakes preliminary assessment of initial conditions
|
8-12 weeks from the date the OfS confirms that it has sufficient information to begin its assessment
|
|
DQB conducts a standards assessment (where applicable)
|
8 weeks from the date the standards assessment is commissioned by the OfS
|
|
Condition B7 (quality) visit (if needed)
|
12-16 weeks from the completion of the preliminary assessment of initial conditions
|
|
OfS makes registration decision
|
4 weeks from the completion of the standards assessment or the B7 visit (whichever is the later)
|
The OfS is likely to have a number of applications for registration at any one time and has a duty to consider using its resources in an efficient and effective way. In prioritising applications for assessment, we will exercise reasonable judgement and deal with all applications on a case-by-case basis. However, our assessment is likely to take significantly longer than shown in the timetable above where a provider:
- does not submit an application which allows us to make an assessment against the initial conditions of registration
- does not engage with us responsively during the assessment process (if, for example, it asks for an extended period to respond to queries or provide additional information)
- submits an application that is particularly complex, including where judgements about whether the initial conditions are satisfied are finely balanced.
In those circumstances you should plan for the possibility that it could take more than a calendar year to reach a final decision.
A provisional decision to refuse registration is likely to further extend this timescale.
