New Chair of CQC announced

13 December 2012

David Prior is to be the new chair of the Care Quality Commission.

David is currently Chairman of the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

David Prior said: “I am delighted to have been appointed Chairman of the Care Quality Commission (CQC). It is the only job that could have persuaded me to leave the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. 

“People who are ill or not able to live independently should be able to expect high quality care. Where there is benign or, worse, malign neglect there must be zero tolerance. I am a believer in the NHS but not a reflex defender of the NHS. Those who provide care out of hospital, in care homes or in people’s own homes, should also be held to account where standards are not good enough.

“CQC must be an intelligent, risk-driven, consistent and transparent regulator of care standards. It will be driven by common sense and judgement not box ticking and form filling. It will be concerned both with the quality of hands on clinical practice and with the culture, governance, openness and sustainability of the organisations that provide care. The organisations that CQC regulate must demonstrate that the systemic failure of care that occurred at Stafford Hospital and Winterbourne View does not, will not and could not happen here. The ultimate test for all those involved directly or indirectly in delivering care is: ‘would I be happy for myself or my loved ones to be cared for here?’

“Finally, for effective regulation there must be crystal clear organisational clarity. We can afford no grey areas.

“The combination of financial austerity with the growing frailty of an ageing population makes the role of CQC really important. We must continuously improve care standards; there is no place for complacency. I am looking forward to it.”

CQC Chief Executive David Behan said: "I am looking forward to working closely with David Prior to ensure the CQC’s success in driving improvement across social care and health. The next phase of the CQC's development is vital to delivering success in protecting and promoting the health, safety and welfare of people who use health and care services. Guided by the findings from our Strategic Review, David Prior will play a pivotal role in chairing the board and working with stakeholders.

“David’s experience within the NHS, as Chairman of Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals Foundation Trust, as well as his wider governance and industry experience will prove vital in meeting the important regulatory challenges ahead. 

"I would like to thank Dame Jo Williams for all her hard work over the last few years in getting CQC to this important point in its development.”

David Prior will take up his role as CQC Chair on 28 January 2013.

Ends

For media enquiries call the CQC press office on 0207 448 9401 during office hours or out of hours on 07917 232 143. For general enquiries call 03000 616161.

Notes to editors

This appointment is made in accordance with the Code of Practice for Ministerial Appointments to Public Bodies, issued by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.  All appointments are made on merit and political activity played no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees’ political activity (if any declared) to be made public. David has declared no current political activity.

The appointment is for three years. He will receive £63,000 per annum for a time commitment of 2-3 days per week.