08.06.12
New CQC chief executive announced
David Behan has been appointed as the new chief executive of the Care Quality Commission (CQC), the regulator’s chair Dame Jo Williams has announced.
Behan will replace Cynthia Bower, who resigned in February. He will join the CQC in July.
Behan 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.
Dame Jo said: “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.”
Behan said: “I am delighted to have been given this opportunity to lead 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 and outcomes for people which are amongst the best in the world.”
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