The Care Quality Commission (CQC) recently welcomed a new Chief Executive who has laid out a bold and transparent vision for the organisation. Sir Julian Hartley joined as Chief Executive in December 2024. Sir Julian was the Chief Executive of NHS Providers from February 2023 to November 2024. Prior to leading NHS Providers, he has had a distinguished career as chief executive of several organisations, including 10 years as Chief Executive of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, where he led a major programme of culture change and staff engagement to deliver improved quality, operational and financial performance.
As health and social care professionals, it’s essential we understand what this means for us and how we can align with this vision to ensure not only compliance but also the delivery of outstanding care.
The CEO’s first-day statement highlighted both the challenges and opportunities ahead for the CQC, and I believe this marks the beginning of a transformative phase for the regulator. I want to explore the key elements of this statement and share my thoughts on how we, as providers and stakeholders, can prepare for the future
Key Themes from the CEO’s Statement
- Transparency and Accountability
The CEO openly acknowledges the “scale of the challenge” facing the CQC. This candid approach signals an organisation willing to take ownership of its shortcomings, an important step toward regaining trust and credibility.
As professionals, we should mirror this transparency by regularly reviewing our own operations, sharing our challenges, and actively seeking solutions. Compliance is no longer just about meeting regulatory standards; it’s about fostering a culture of openness and continuous improvement. - A Focus on Safety and Effectiveness
With over 30 years of experience in health and social care, the CEO brings a wealth of practical knowledge. Their commitment to ensuring that services are safe and effective aligns directly with our goals as providers.
For us, this means redoubling efforts in areas such as risk assessments, care planning, and staff training. Providers that can demonstrate a clear commitment to these principles will be well-positioned in the evolving regulatory landscape. - Modernising Technology and Methods
The mention of improving “technology and methods” is particularly encouraging. Many providers have faced frustrations with outdated or inconsistent inspection systems, and a move toward better tools is long overdue.
This is a clear call for providers to invest in their own digital infrastructure. Whether it’s care management software, electronic auditing tools, or better data-sharing capabilities, now is the time to align with the CQC’s modernisation agenda. - A Genuine Co-Design Approach
The commitment to “genuine co-design” with providers, stakeholders, and the public represents a major shift in the way the CQC operates. For too long, many providers have felt that regulatory changes were imposed without enough consultation.
I see this as a tremendous opportunity for health and social care professionals to shape the future of regulation. By engaging in consultations, attending stakeholder forums, and providing constructive feedback, we can help create a framework that balances accountability with practical support.
- A Regulator Focused on Improvement and Support
The CEO’s vision of a regulator that is “outward looking and responsive” and places equal emphasis on improvement and assessment is a welcome change. A supportive regulator can help providers enhance their services rather than focusing solely on enforcement.
This is a reminder that achieving Outstanding ratings under the CQC’s framework is not just about passing inspections; it’s about embracing a culture of excellence. Providers should see inspections as opportunities for feedback and growth, rather than punitive measures.
My Perspective: Seizing the Opportunity
This statement from the CQC’s new leader offers both a challenge and an opportunity for the sector. As a consultant, I work with providers across the UK to achieve Good and Outstanding ratings by embedding compliance and quality into the DNA of their operations. To seize the opportunity, I recommend that providers across the board consider the following:
- Engage with the CQC’s Transformation
Participate in consultations, share your perspectives, and keep an eye on updates related to the Dash and Richards reviews. This is your chance to influence the future of regulation. - Prioritise Technology and Data
The CQC’s move toward better technology means providers need to ensure their systems are up to par. Use digital tools to enhance care planning, auditing, and compliance reporting. - Embrace People-Centred Care
The CEO’s focus on “putting people at the heart” of regulation mirrors the person-centred care approach that the best providers already champion. Make this a core part of your ethos and operations. - Foster Collaboration and Co-Production
Strengthen your relationships with stakeholders, service users, and commissioners. Demonstrate that you are not just a service provider but a partner in delivering exceptional care. - Prepare for Evolving Assessment Criteria
As the CQC refines its methods, providers must stay ahead of the curve. Regularly audit your services, train your staff, and ensure you are ready for a more robust and accurate inspection process.
Looking Ahead
The new CEO’s statement reflects a vision that could transform the way regulation is perceived and experienced in health and social care. This is an opportunity for providers to move away from a defensive approach to compliance and embrace a culture of collaboration, innovation, and improvement.
At Care Quality Support (https://www.carequalitysupport.co.uk) and Ultra Healthcare Solutions, (https://www.ultrahealthcare.co.uk) we are committed to supporting providers in navigating this evolving landscape. Together, we can ensure that not only do we meet regulatory standards, but we also exceed them to deliver the Outstanding care that people deserve.
Let’s take this journey as a chance to set new benchmarks for excellence in our sector.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on the CEO’s statement and how you’re preparing for the future of health and social care regulation. Share your views in the comments or reach out directly!
