The Care Quality Commission, (CQC) has announced Sir Julian Hartley will be appointed as its new Chief Executive. Sir Julian has been Chief Executive of NHS Providers since February 2023, and previous roles have included ten years as Chief Executive of Leeds Teaching Hospitals.
Having previously branded CQC as “not fit for purpose,” Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting welcomed the appointment, saying: "Sir Julian's experience of turning round large, complex health organisations will be vital as the CQC seeks to urgently improve and win back public trust.”
Sir Julian Hartley says he’s delighted to be joining the CQC at a time when it needs effective regulation to support improvement across the health and care sector, and safe care for people who use the services. "I have spent my career in the NHS and I will do my utmost to bring all I have learned to serve people who use services and to work with CQC staff and with providers to deliver high quality regulation which drives improvement across the health and care system," he says.
CQC knows it has a significant task ahead to rebuild trust with the public, providers and its own staff. The Health Secretary is awaiting the final report from the review of the regulator carried out by Dr Penny Dash before setting out the further action the Government will take. He adds: “I was determined to see action taken now to begin to turn the CQC around. I'm confident that Julian will provide the leadership staff in the CQC need to address this crisis, improve patient safety, and restore confidence in the regulator."
Sir Julian's start date is yet to be confirmed. The selection process for his recruitment was led by CQC's Chair, Ian Dilks with the involvement of the non-executive members of CQC's Board, following open competition.
