By Vivienne Russell | 11 July 2011
Monitor will not now appoint a permanent chief executive until next year, the body said today.
Monitor currently regulates foundation trusts but is set to assume a new role to ‘protect and promote’ patients’ interests following the passage of the government’s health Bill. It was due to have an expanded role as an economic regulator and a promoter of competition between providers, but this was dropped following the government’s consultation on the controversial proposals.
Monitor said it had been attempting to recruit a new chief executive but the search had been unsuccessful because none of the candidates interviewed had the right mix of skills and experience now required for the job.
A statement issued by Monitor today said: ‘The board has decided to take the opportunity to wait for Parliament’s view on the Health and Social Care Bill to become clearer before restarting the recruitment process.
‘In recruiting to this position, the board will work to ensure that the role of the future chief executive is closely aligned with Monitor’s new remit.’
The recruitment process is likely to begin again in 2012. David Bennett will continue as interim chief executive alongside his role of chair.
