Sir Julian Hartley is stepping down as Chief Executive of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) with immediate effect after less than one year in the role, citing a clash of interest with the investigation into maternity and neonatal failings at his former Trust, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTHT). The Trust is subject to an independent inquiry and legal enforcement action from NHS England. Some of the problems relate to the time when Sir Julian was Chief Executive.
Describing his decision to resign as Chief Executive of CQC as “incredibly difficult,” Sir Julian goes on to say: “I am so sorry for the fact that some families suffered harm and loss during this time. I will be giving whatever support I can to the inquiry into maternity services at Leeds, so families get the transparency and answers that they need and deserve – and I want to avoid my connection with the Trust impacting on CQC’s work to rebuild people’s confidence in the regulator.”
Turning around the CQC
Sir Julian was appointed to the role of Chief Executive of CQC in October 2024 and joined the regulator in December. His remit was to turn around the regulator, which had lost trust with the public, providers and staff.
Professor Sir Mike Richards, Chair of CQC, describes Sir Julian’s departure as “a huge loss” calling his decision to go “unselfish” in recognising that his previous role at LTHT could undermine confidence and trust in CQC regulation and that the regulator needs to be seen to be held to the highest standards.
He adds: "Sir Julian can be proud of all he has achieved at CQC in his time here. Since joining in December of last year, he has refocused the organisation on its purpose to protect people and improve the quality of care and re-energised our staff to deliver that purpose.
"Under his leadership, we have recently launched a public consultation on plans to improve how we assess health and care services, make judgements, and award ratings to help ensure that people get high quality, safe care. And his appointment of four exceptional Chief Inspectors to lead on regulation and improvement across mental health, hospitals, primary and community care, and adult social care and integrated care marked a crucial and much-needed realignment of the organisation around sector expertise.
"He leaves the organisation in a stronger position than when he joined it but his inclusive and thoughtful leadership style will be much missed, not only by his colleagues but by those he worked with right across health and social care.
Recruitment for Sir Julian’s replacement will begin shortly. Dr Arun Chopra, Chief Inspector of Mental Health, is planned to assume the role of Interim Chief Executive until a permanent successor is appointed.
