The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has named Sir Julian Hartley as its new chief executive as part of a revamp of the regulatory body.
This change comes in response to an interim report by Dr. Penny Dash, which criticised the CQC for inconsistent and non-transparent ratings. Health Secretary Wes Streeting took swift action, saying the regulator is "not fit for purpose" and requiring immediate reforms.
Key changes following the report include Sir Julian’s appointment and the hiring of three new chief inspectors to boost leadership across health and social care. The CQC is also piloting a new approach to managing relationships with healthcare providers, beginning with NHS trusts and later expanding to other sectors.
Sir Julian, who previously served as CEO of NHS Providers and Leeds Teaching Hospitals, and will be joining the CQC in the near future said.
'I am delighted to be joining CQC at a time when effective regulation which supports improvement across the health and and care sector and good safe care for people who use services has never been more important'.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting expressed his belief that Sir Julian’s experience with large, complex health organisations will be crucial in restoring public trust in the CQC, especially in the wake of Dr. Dash's report. Mr Streeting is awaiting the final report and plans to take further actions to reform the regulator.