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CQC appoints NHSBT boss as new chief executive

CQC has appointed Ian Trenholm as its new chief executive, who is set to succeed Sir David Behan when he takes on the role from July.

Trenholm started in the police service and has also worked as chief operating officer at the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; as CEO of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead; and, most recently, has been the chief executive of NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) since 2014.

Peter Wyman, chair of CQC, commented: “I am delighted that CQC has been able to make such a strong appointment to the role of chief executive. Ian was chosen from an outstanding field for his significant leadership experience coupled with his commitment to making a difference to people’s lives.

“His track record of delivering technological innovation at scale in order to deliver benefits for people was the deciding factor – given both CQC’s strategic focus on delivering an intelligence-driven approach to regulation, and the increasingly central role that technology has in transforming outcomes across the health and care system.”

Wyman noted that under Behan’s leadership, the CQC has become a “catalyst for improvement,” inspecting every hospital, adult social care provider and GP practice in the country. It is also currently developing a ‘baseline on quality’ that is “unique anywhere in the world.”

“I’m confident that in Ian, we have found the right person to lead delivery on the next stage of our strategy – using new technology and new ways of working with the public and providers to continuously improve how we assess performance, encourage improvement and check that people get safe, high-quality care,” he added.

Trenholm himself said: “I am really pleased to be joining the CQC at a time of challenge for both health and social care. I look forward to working with the CQC team to build on the strong foundations already in place, creating innovative methods of assuring safe and effective care for all.”

Chief executive of NHS Providers Chris Hopson, said: “Having met Ian earlier in my career I believe he has the qualities required to lead the CQC successfully, as it moves to towards a more intelligence-driven and risk-based approach to inspections. 

“As our recent survey of NHS trust leaders showed, it is important that the CQC continues to focus on ensuring its regulatory approach is proportionate and not overly burdensome, and delivers value for money. Ian brings a wealth of leadership experience across a range of sectors which will stand him in good stead for the challenges he will face in this role.

Hopson paid tribute to Sir David Behan who provided "outstanding leadership of the CQC", and added that under Sir David's leadership, the CQC made great strides towards an effective inspection scheme that serves patients and providers well.

The new boss was appointed by the non-executive members of CQC’s board after an open competition.

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