New CQC chief confirmed

The former Leeds Teaching Hospitals chief emerged as a frontrunner for the position earlier this month.

He replaces Kate Terroni, former Care Quality Commission deputy chief executive who had been interim since the sudden departure of former boss Ian Trenholm in June. 

Sir Julian Hartley will be leaving NHSP, which he joined in February 2023, to take up the CQC position although his start date is yet to be confirmed.

A new CEO for the lobby organisation will be confirmed in due course.

Sir Julian said: “It is vitally important for NHS trusts, foundation trusts and the wider health and care sector to have effective regulation to support improvement and safe care for patients. This move will give me an opportunity to really focus on that goal. 

“I have thoroughly enjoyed representing members and working with a group of dedicated, fantastic colleagues at NHS Providers.”

Recruitment for a substantive CQC chief follows heavy criticism of the regulator in a scathing interim report into its performance by North West London Integrated Care Board chair Penny Dash.

Published in July, Ms Dash’s government-commissioned report criticised a “noticeable lack” of healthcare experience at senior level. She said the current executive team was largely drawn from the social care sector.

It also warned the CQC’s credibility was being harmed by a loss of relationships between the regulator and regulated providers, particularly in the NHS. Ms Dash’s final report is due to be published in mid October.

Sir Julian has previously said the CQC needs “urgent reform” and has spoken out about its use of single-word ratings for inspections.

He led Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust for 10 years from 2013, a period when it moved from a series of quality, governance and financial problems to a well-respected provider. He was a champion of collaboration in the system during his time in Leeds. 

Earlier this summer, he was revealed as the last decade’s most respected trust chief executive, following an analysis of the annual HSJ Top 50 chief executives ranking. 

Health and social care secretary Wes Streeting said in an internal CQC announcement seen by HSJ: “Sir Julian’s experience of turning round large, complex health organisations will be vital as CQC seeks to urgently improve and win back public trust.

“Dr Penny Dash’s interim report highlighted serious failings in the regulator, forcing me to conclude it is no longer fit for purpose. Once published, I will consider Dr Dash’s final report closely and set out further action this government will take. 

“But I was determined to see action taken now to begin to turn CQC around. I’m confident that Julian will provide the leadership CQC staff need to address this crisis, improve patient safety, and restore confidence in the regulator.”