The Care Quality Commission (CQC) plays a central role in England’s health and social care system. As the independent regulator, we ensure services are safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well-led, shaping standards that affect millions and influencing public confidence, service improvement, and people’s experiences at critical moments.

The organisation faces complex challenges. We operate under intense scrutiny, navigating public and political expectations, workforce pressures, and an evolving care system. While we have not always met expectations, over the past year we have taken decisive steps: strengthening inspection and regulatory frameworks, investing in data and technology, and building a confident, professional workforce. Momentum is growing, but the next phase requires leadership in rebuilding operational strength around our core functions, while fostering innovation for the future.

We are now seeking an exceptional Chief Executive to lead the CQC through this next chapter. This is an opportunity to provide stability to a critical organisation, and to shape the future of health and care regulation in England, restoring confidence, sharpening impact and ensuring the regulator is strong, trusted and forward-looking. As Chief Executive, you will lead an organisation of around 3,300 people, a £300m budget and an influential national mandate. Working closely with the Chair and Board, you will set a clear strategic direction and translate ambition into delivery through strengthening consistency and timeliness, embedding intelligence-led regulation, driving quality improvement, and ensuring that CQC’s voice is authoritative, independent and focused relentlessly on people’s experiences and outcomes.

You will bring a strong track record of leading complex organisations through change, of operating confidently under scrutiny, and of building trust with Ministers, senior stakeholders, providers and the public. You will be politically astute, able to combine operational grip with empathy, and confident enough to take difficult decisions in the public interest. Above all, you will be motivated by purpose and by the opportunity to protect people, raise standards and make a tangible difference at national scale.

This is one of the most important leadership roles in the health and care system today. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive leadership and welcome applications from candidates who bring different perspectives, experiences and backgrounds.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the Care Quality Commission on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit roles.saxbam.com using reference ACQD. Alternatively email Belinda.beck@saxbam.com. Applications should be received by noon on Friday 15 May.