Sir Julian Hartley, Chief Executive at the Care Quality Commission (CQC), said:
“I welcome the decision by the Secretary of State to appoint Sir Mike Richards as the new Chair of the Care Quality Commission.
“Mike’s dedication throughout his long health service career to the delivery of high-quality care make him an ideal person to Chair CQC as we work towards being the effective regulator we need to be.
“We have a journey ahead of us, but we are committed to working collaboratively to ensuring the regulation we carry out meets its core purpose — to keep people safe and ensure they receive the care they deserve. Mike’s guidance and oversight will be critical as we work towards this goal.”
Professor Sir Mike Richards said:
“I am delighted to have been confirmed as Chair of CQC. As the first Chief Inspector of Hospitals, I learned what regulation can do to protect patients and to improve services.
“It is clear CQC is not where it needs to be, and I am fully motivated to play my role, alongside Sir Julian Hartley and others, in making sure CQC becomes the effective regulator the public and providers need and deserve.”
The role of CQC Chair is appointed by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Code of Governance for Public Appointments.
Professor Sir Mike Richards was confirmed as the government’s preferred candidate in February 2025. The Secretary of State has taken the final decision following confirmation from the Health and Social Care Select Committee on 19 March 2025.
It is a four-year role and Professor Sir Mike Richards will begin on 01 April 2025. The position carries an annual salary of £63,000.