New CQC Chief Executive announced

8 June 2012

Dame Jo Williams, Chair of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) today announced the appointment of David Behan as the Commission's new Chief Executive.

David is currently Director General for Social Care, Local Government and Care Partnerships at the Department of Health, prior to which he was Chief Inspector of the Commission for Social Care Inspection. He has served as President of the Association of Directors of Social Services and as Director of Social Services for Greenwich, Middlesbrough and Cleveland Councils.

David will join CQC in July. He will replace Cynthia Bower, who announced her resignation in February.

Dame Jo said: "I'm delighted to confirm David as our new Chief Executive. The quality of applicants was exceptionally strong, but David's combination of frontline and regulatory experience, coupled with his commitment to making a difference for people who use services, made him an outstanding candidate.

“His clarity of vision and strong track record on delivery will be crucial to driving forward the next stage of CQC's development - as we continue to build on the progress already made, delivering increasing benefits to the health and social care system through our essential role in tackling poor care. I and my Board very much look forward to working with him."

David Behan said: “I am greatly looking forward to working with the Board and leading CQC. I am delighted to have been given this opportunity to run the organisation that takes action where services are poor and unsafe, whilst providing assurance that our health and care services are fit to achieve quality outcomes for people which are amongst the best in the world.”