From CQC regulator to franchise support guru: Blossom’s Jo Bell is providing invaluable specialist training and hands-on guidance
Successfully running a home care business requires more than just commercial acumen – it demands a deep understanding of compliance, regulation, and quality assurance. It’s for this reason that Blossom’s network receives the support necessary to ensure every franchisee is able to meet the high standards set by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
The leading role Jo Bell has taken since she joined Blossom’s franchise support team in 2024 clearly illustrates the business’ commitment to quality. A former CQC regulator who boasts over 35 years of experience in health and social care, Jo’s role sees her helping franchisees to achieve compliance and deliver exceptional care – the keys to building a thriving home care business.
A career rooted in quality and compliance
Jo’s journey in the care sector spans three decades, during which time she has worked in nursing, education and leadership roles. “I initially trained as a registered general nurse, then as a district nurse within North Yorkshire,” she explains. “I have also completed a BHSC in Health Studies at Leeds University, a dementia course, and more recently an MA in Public Policy and Management at the University of York.
“During my career I have developed a wealth of skills, knowledge and experience. This includes roles working as a regulator and dementia specialist within the CQC for over twelve years, and as a head of provider services, dementia lead and nominated individual for all regulated services in a local authority. I have also undertaken PRINCE2 project management training and a range of leadership courses.”
Reflecting on her experience, Jo says: “My work has always been centred on improving care standards and helping providers achieve excellence. At the CQC, I saw first-hand the challenges businesses face when trying to meet regulatory requirements, and I now use that knowledge to guide Blossom franchisees towards success.”
How Jo supports Blossom franchisees
Jo’s in-depth understanding of CQC processes, evidence collection, and quality assurance gives Blossom franchisees a range of benefits as well as confidence in their activities. This is achieved in several ways:
Mock CQC inspections: One of the biggest challenges for new franchisees is passing their initial CQC registration and ongoing inspections. Jo undertakes mock inspections to prepare franchisees, ensuring they understand what to expect and how to demonstrate compliance confidently.
Quality assurance and compliance training: Jo provides specialist training in CQC methodology, evidence collection, and quality assurance to equip franchisees with the knowledge they need to maintain compliance.
Coaching and support of registered managers and staff: Beyond CQC registration, Jo remains a constant source of mentorship and support for franchisees and their teams. Whether it’s handling compliance issues, improving operations, or developing new policies, she ensures franchisees have everything they need to grow a successful and fully compliant home care business with Blossom.
Expert, hands-on guidance
Unlike some home care franchises, Blossom stresses that it goes beyond providing basic compliance support, instead offering direct, hands-on guidance from someone who has worked inside the CQC itself. This helps franchisees navigate regulatory requirements, avoid common pitfalls, and achieve CQC accreditation efficiently.
As Jo explains, “Blossom is a brand that prioritises quality. Franchisees are eager to learn and have a passion for improvement. It’s incredibly rewarding to see them grow and enhance practices, which ultimately improves positive outcomes for service users and clients.”
For prospective franchisees, this level of support offers the reassurance that they will never be alone in their business journey.
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