CQC chief inspector to retire

He has held the position since 2017, when he replaced Sir Mike Richards. He had previously been deputy chief inspector.

Professor Baker said: “Next year will be the fiftieth since I first worked for the NHS. I have been exceptionally lucky to have had such a long and varied career and to have worked with so many outstanding and inspiring people, not least during my last eight years here at the CQC.”

He first joined the NHS in 1973, working in frontline clinical practice for 35 years. He then went onto hold a series of senior positions, including medical director roles at Oxford University Hospitals Trust and Guy’s and St Thomas’ Foundation Trust.

In the last five years, Professor Baker has led thematic reviews of how the NHS learns from safety events, and overseen the development of the CQC’s regulation of the hospitals sector during the covid-19 pandemic, including the introduction of “intelligence-driven” focused inspections for services such as urgent and emergency care.

He has also overseen changes recommended by two inquiries into the Whorlton Hall care scandal, which accused the CQC of missing opportunities to record serious failings at the County Durham Hospital between 2015 and 2019.

Ian Trenholm, the regulator’s chief executive, said Professor Baker has earned “significant respect and loyalty” from CQC colleagues and across the NHS for “his commitment to engagement with and improvement for patients and staff”.

He added: “I have enjoyed working with Ted enormously and shall miss him both on a personal and professional basis.”