The incoming chief executive of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has admitted the under-fire regulator must “urgently improve” and will focus on problems with its technology and methods.
Sir Julian Hartley’s inaugural statement came on his first day in charge as the leadership overhaul at the CQC continues with chairman Ian Dilks not seeking re-election in March.
The healthcare provider regulator has been beset with serious issues over the last year highlighted in critical reports published throughout the summer that led to a series of high-profile changes at the top of the organisation.
Previous chief executive Ian Trenholm resigned in June prior to the initial critical reports being published, with deputy chief executive Kate Terroni taking over as the regulator began an overhaul.
Terroni herself decided in September she would not apply for the vacant chief executive role and following a leave of absence resigned in October, acknowledging the need for fresh leadership.
Meanwhile, last month chairman Ian Dilks announced he would not be seeking reappointment when his three-year term at the regulator ends on 31 March, with the search for a successor underway.
‘Need to urgently improve’
In a message sent to the healthcare sector, Sir Julian (pictured) said he was delighted to be starting the role but that he also recognised “the scale of the challenge that we face as the regulator”.
“I am dedicated to the improvement of health and social care services and believe CQC should play a key role in this,” he said.
“To do this and deliver our purpose, we need to urgently improve. We need to respond to what you’ve already told us and work in partnership to identify how else we should change.”
Sir Julian acknowledged problems with CQC technology and assessment methods and said he will be working to rapidly implement the recommendations from critical reviews over the last year.
“We will have a specific focus on addressing the current problems with our technology and methods so we can deliver more and better quality assessments,” he continued.
“In doing this and what we do next, we’ll work in a genuine co-design approach with you, the public, stakeholders and our colleagues to ensure we do the right thing.
“I’m committed to enabling CQC to become a regulator that is outward looking and responsive, with a focus as much on improvement and support as on assessment.
“Above all, a regulator that puts people at the heart of everything we do.”
