CQC Chief Executive Sir Julian Hartley Steps Down
Sir Julian Hartley has stepped down as Chief Executive of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) with immediate effect.
Dr Arun Chopra, Chief Inspector of Mental Health, is expected to take on the role of Interim Chief Executive while recruitment for a permanent successor begins.
Sir Julian’s decision follows ongoing discussions regarding care at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, where he previously served as Chief Executive. In his statement, he confirmed his intention to support the inquiry into maternity services at the Trust and acknowledged the importance of ensuring public confidence in the CQC’s independence and oversight.
Since joining the regulator in late 2023, Sir Julian has led efforts to reshape aspects of the CQC’s structure and approach, including work to improve engagement with providers and the public, and updates to the inspection and ratings framework.
His departure introduces a new period of change for the organisation, which continues to refine its regulatory model while managing sector-wide uncertainty and operational pressure.
Leadership stability within the CQC has a direct impact on how providers experience regulation. Changes at executive level often influence inspection priorities, interpretation of the Single Assessment Framework, and the pace of policy implementation.
For many providers already adapting to evolving expectations and inspection methodologies, this development will be viewed with a mix of interest and caution.
At HLTH Group, we continue to work closely with providers across health and social care to maintain compliance confidence, inspection readiness, and clarity amid regulatory transition. Leadership changes at the CQC may shape the tone of inspection, but the fundamentals of good governance, safety, and quality remain constant – and that is where providers’ focus should stay.