CQC chief steps down

16 Jan 18

Care Quality Commission chief executive Sir David Behan has announced that he is to step down from the role in the summer after six years at the inspectorate.

He said that, by announcing his departure now, would allow the watchdog’s board sufficient time to identify and appoint a successor.

“It’s been an immense privilege to serve the public by leading CQC, and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved,” Behan said.

“We’ve inspected every hospital, adult social care provider and GP practice in the country – over 28,000 services and providers – and in the process developed a baseline on quality that is unique anywhere in the world.”

He said it was now “time to move on” and allow someone else to lead the organisation.

Paying tribute to Behan’s work, health and social care secretary Jeremy Hunt said he had been an “exceptional” leader.

“He is highly respected across the sector for his wisdom, drive and fearless determination to put patients first.

“He deserves great credit for overhauling healthcare regulation in this country to put quality and safety at the heart of the ratings system.

“He should be incredibly proud of his record, and will be sorely missed.”

CQC chair Peter Wyman said: “David's unique combination of passion, vision and deep understanding of the health and care system – along with his personal commitment to putting people at the heart of everything we do – have led CQC to become a catalyst for change that improves the quality of people's care.”

Behan has a background in social care and was director of social services for Cleveland from 1994 and for Greenwich from 1996 to 2003.

He was subsequently director general of social care, local government and care partnerships at the Department of Health. He has also served as president of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services.

The process to find a successor to Behan will begin shortly, the CQC said.

Read PF’s 2013 interview with David Behan.

  • Vivienne Russell
    Vivienne Russell is managing editor of Public Finance magazine and publicfinance.co.uk

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