Terms of Service

Last updated: 30 July 2026

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of CQC Ask, accessible at cqcask.co.uk. By creating an account or using our service, you agree to these Terms. Please read them carefully.

1. About CQC Ask

CQC Ask provides an AI-powered platform offering guidance on CQC compliance topics for adult social care providers, and connects users with a panel of independent compliance consultants for escalated or specialist queries. CQC Ask is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or acting on behalf of the Care Quality Commission.

⚠️ Important — not regulatory or professional advice

CQC Ask provides general information and guidance based on publicly available CQC guidance and regulations. It is not a substitute for professional legal, regulatory, or consultancy advice, and does not guarantee any particular CQC rating, inspection outcome, or compliance status. You remain responsible for ensuring your own service's compliance with all applicable regulations.

2. Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old and using the service in a professional or business capacity to create an account. By registering, you confirm the information you provide is accurate and that you have the authority to act on behalf of any organisation you represent.

3. Your Account

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activity under your account. Notify us immediately at hello@cqcask.co.uk if you suspect unauthorised access to your account.

4. Payment and Subscription Terms

5. Refunds

Due to the nature of the digital service provided (an answer is generated or delivered immediately or shortly after payment), refunds are generally not available once a question has been answered. If you believe you've received an inaccurate or incomplete answer, contact us at hello@cqcask.co.uk and we will review your case.

6. Acceptable Use

You agree not to:

7. Consultant Panel

Consultants who join our expert panel operate as independent professionals, not as employees or agents of CQC Ask. CQC Ask does not guarantee the availability, response time, or outcome of any consultant interaction, though we take reasonable steps to ensure panel members are appropriately qualified and experienced.

8. Intellectual Property

All content, branding, and technology on cqcask.co.uk, excluding user-submitted content, is owned by or licensed to CQC Ask and protected by applicable intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works from our content without permission.

9. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, CQC Ask shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from your use of the service, including but not limited to regulatory enforcement action, inspection outcomes, or business losses. Our total liability for any claim relating to the service is limited to the amount you paid us in the 12 months preceding the claim.

Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, or any other liability that cannot be excluded under UK law.

10. Termination

We may suspend or terminate your account if you breach these Terms. You may close your account at any time by contacting hello@cqcask.co.uk. Termination does not entitle you to a refund for services already provided.

11. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. Continued use of the service after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms. Significant changes will be communicated to registered users.

12. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes arising from these Terms or your use of the service will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions about these Terms, contact us at hello@cqcask.co.uk.