Sir Julian Hartley is stepping down as chief executive of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) with immediate effect.
The regulator announced Dr Arun Chopra, chief inspector of mental health, is planned to assume the role of interim chief executive until a permanent successor is appointed.
Announcing his departure, Sir Julian (pictured), a former CEO of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said his current role was “incompatible” with important conversations happening about care at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
Earlier this week, health secretary Wes Streeting ordered an inquiry into maternity services at the trust following a campaign by parents.
Last month, the trust was named as one of 14 hospital trusts the government ordered Baroness Amos to look into as part of a rapid, independent, national investigation into maternity and neonatal services.
The CQC added recruitment for Sir Julian’s successor will begin shortly.
Urgent improvements
Hartley was appointed in December last year, admitting at the time that the under-fire regulator must “urgently improve” and intended to focus on problems with its technology and methods.
His inaugural statement came on his first day in charge as the leadership overhaul at the CQC continued with chairman Ian Dilks not seeking re-election in March.
The healthcare provider regulator was beset with serious issues 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.
Difficult decision
Sir Julian said: “This has been an incredibly difficult decision. However, I feel that my current role as chief executive of CQC has become incompatible with the important conversations happening about care at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, including during the time I was chief executive there.
“I am so sorry for the fact that some families suffered harm and loss during this time.
“I will be giving whatever support I can to the inquiry into maternity services at Leeds, so families get the transparency and answers that they need and deserve – and I want to avoid my connection with the trust impacting on CQC’s work to rebuild people’s confidence in the regulator.”
Sir Julian added he was proud of what had been achieved since joining the CQC and of the progress the regulator made in reshaping its culture.
“I leave grateful for the part I was able to play and confident that the better approach being built will be owned, and informed, by colleagues, providers and stakeholders with a shared vision,” he continued.
“I know that the four outstanding chief inspectors appointed to lead on our specialist regulation, alongside our compassionate and dedicated staff, will ensure that we continue on our journey to being a strong effective regulator that people can trust to improve health and social care.
“I will miss being a part of the journey, but I believe the decision I have made is the right one to help CQC reach that destination.”
Huge loss
Professor Sir Mike Richards, chairman of the CQC, said: “While Sir Julian’s departure will be a huge loss to CQC, I understand his concerns that his previous role at Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust may undermine trust and confidence in CQC’s regulation.
“I am grateful to him for making this unselfish decision in recognition of the need for the regulator to be visibly held to the highest standards.
“Sir Julian can be proud of all he has achieved at CQC in his time here. Since joining in December of last year, he has refocused the organisation on its purpose to protect people and improve the quality of care and re-energised our staff to deliver that purpose.
“Under his leadership, we have recently launched a public consultation on plans to improve how we assess health and care services, make judgements, and award ratings to help ensure that people get high quality, safe care.”
Sir Mike added that Sir Julian’s appointment of four chief inspectors to lead on regulation and improvement across mental health, hospitals, primary and community care, and adult social care and integrated care marked a “crucial and much-needed” realignment of the organisation around sector expertise.
“He leaves the organisation in a stronger position than when he joined it but his inclusive and thoughtful leadership style will be much missed, not only by his colleagues but by those he worked with right across health and social care,” Sir Mike concluded.
