Professor Sir Mike Richards Steps Down as CQC Chair
Professor Sir Mike Richards has resigned as Chair of the Care Quality Commission (CQC). He has agreed to continue until another Chair can be appointed.
Prof Sir Mike said: “It has been a privilege to serve as Chair of the Care Quality Commission, following my independent review of the Assessment Framework. I am extremely grateful for the trust placed in me.
We have made progress on several critical improvements. I am particularly pleased that we now have specialist sector teams in place and will shortly be communicating the consultation response on the new Assessment Approach.
“However, it has become increasingly clear that the turnaround of the CQC—alongside the work required to establish it as the world’s leading health and care regulator—will demand a longer-term commitment as Chair than I am able to make.
“Finally, with Sir Julian Hartley’s departure, there is an urgent need to appoint a permanent CEO. After careful consideration, I believe it would be best for this appointment to be led by a new Chair who can commit to providing long‑term continuity.
“I remain fully committed to the CQC’s future success and to supporting any incoming Chair during the transition.”
Dr Arun Chopra, Interim Chief Executive Officer of the CQC said: “On behalf of the leadership team and the wider organisation, I would like to thank Sir Mike for his contribution to rebuilding the CQC- from his Independent Review and in his role as our Chair over the last year. We are committed to delivering on the recommendations that he made and to rebuilding our organisation so that we deliver for patients and people who use services.”
Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, said: “Sir Mike took on this role at a very difficult time for the CQC. Confidence in the regulator, especially from adult social care providers, was already fragile, and the system was clearly not working as it should.
What mattered about his independent review of the Single Assessment Framework was that it reflected what providers had been experiencing on the ground for some time; delays that made no sense, a loss of sector expertise, and a framework that felt disconnected from the reality of delivering care. He was prepared to say that out loud, and that was important. Many of the problems facing the CQC have not gone away, and there is still a long way to go. But his work helped to open the door to a more honest conversation about what regulation needs to look like if it is to support good care rather than get in the way of it.
As the CQC moves into its next phase, the priority must be stability and follow-through. Providers need clarity, consistency and a regulator that understands the pressures they are under. We are ready to work with the new leadership to make sure the lessons of past years are not lost, and that regulation starts to work properly for the people who rely on and deliver care every day.”
