Secretary of State Names Sir Mike Richards for Chair of CQC

The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting MP, has named Professor Sir Mike Richards CBE as his preferred candidate for next Chair of CQC.

Subject to approval by the Health and Social Care Select Committee, Mike Richards will take over from the current Chair, Ian Dilks, once his appointment ends.

CQC welcomes this announcement and will issue a full statement following the Committee’s pre-appointment hearing.

Subject to approval by Parliament’s Health and Social Care Select Committee, Richards will take over from the current chair, Ian Dilks, once his appointment ends.

Richards became the CQC’s first chief inspector of hospitals in 2013 and led the development and implementation of a new approach to hospital inspection. He retired from this role at the end of July 2017.

Sir Mike’s appointment marks an important moment for health and social care regulation. With a distinguished career spanning clinical leadership and regulatory roles, he brings not only expertise but also a deep appreciation of the challenges facing the social care sector.

Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, said:
“Sir Mike Richards is an excellent choice to lead the CQC. He understands the vital role of social care and the need for a regulatory system that supports, rather than stifles, high-quality care. At a time when providers are under immense pressure, we need leadership that listens, engages, and ensures regulation is fair, proportionate, and focused on what truly matters – delivering the best possible care for those who need it. We look forward to working closely with Sir Mike and Sir Julian Hartley to build a system that works for both providers and the people they support.”