Chief Executive
Job summary
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.
Job description
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.Person specification
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.
Things you need to know
Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.Selection process details
Please do not apply via this website or CQC website.CQC has engaged Saxton Bampfylde Ltd as our employment agency advisor to support management of this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please click https://roles.saxbam.com/advert-details/?id=1a1718f9-9b39-f111-88b3-6045bdd1dd11https://roles.saxbam.com/advert-details/?id=1a1718f9-9b39-f111-88b3-6045bdd1dd11here or alternatively visit roles.saxbam.com using reference ACQD.
If you require further support, please email Belinda.beck@saxbam.com
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Working for the Civil Service
Please note this Post is NOT regulated by the Civil Service Commission.The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).Apply and further information
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Belinda.beck@saxbam.com
- Email : Belinda.beck@saxbam.com
- Telephone : Belinda.beck@saxbam.com
Recruitment team
- Email : recruitment@cqc.org.uk
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Salary range
- £220,000 per year