The report, which was commissioned by the CQC, features contributions from over 1,200 providers and includes 11 key recommendations aimed at improving the CQC's regulatory approach and rebuilding trust.

James Bullion, chief inspector of adult social care and integrated Care, said: ‘This report gives us a practical agenda for change which we will incorporate into our urgent improvement work underway in CQC.'

Bullion acknowledged the ‘strength of feeling from providers about the need to improve their experience of inspection' and the ‘distressing impact of approaches to regulation and assessment on their organisations and mental wellbeing'.

The 11 recommendations, which can be read in full here, include reducing inconsistencies in implementation, training inspectors to understand and respect care providers and introducing an independent body to mediate all complaints and challenge processes.

Professor Martin Green, chief executive of Care England, said: ‘The findings lay bare the significant challenges providers have faced with the Single Assessment Framework - ranging from confusion and inconsistency to a lack of meaningful engagement with the sector.

‘For too long, providers have felt unheard, navigating a system that is burdensome, unclear, and at times detrimental to staff morale and service improvement. Now, thanks to the collective efforts of Care England, our members, and the wider CPA, these concerns are impossible to ignore.'