A former chief executive of the National Council for Carers is to be the next chair of the Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence.

The Appointments Commission has confirmed it has approved Baroness Jill Pitkeathley taking up the role.

The Labour peer has also been a chair of the New Opportunities Fund and interim chair of the General Social Care Council.

The Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence will for the first time be overseen by public members from January as Baroness Pitkeathley takes up her role.

Chief executive Harry Cayton said: "Jill Pitkeathley has great experience of leading independent statutory bodies but most of all she brings an outstanding commitment to the needs of patients and carers. Their well-being is at the heart of healthcare regulation.

"Health professional regulation faces the challenge of rapid change in clinical practice, professional roles and international mobility of both professionals and patients. We are delighted that Baroness Pitkeathley will be leading our ambitious work both to anticipate and shape future developments in the field."

Rosie Varley, now chair of the General Social Care Council, has been acting chair of the Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence.

Topics