Behan appointed CQC Chief Executive

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has appointed David Behan as its new Chief Executive following the resignation of Cynthia Bower in February.

The experienced Behan joins from the Department of Health where he currently serves as Director General for Social Care, Local Government and Care Partnerships.

Dame Jo Williams, CQC Chair, said Mr Behan’s “frontline and regulatory experience”, coupled with his “commitment to making a difference for people”, made him stand out from other candidates.

Mr Behan will be tasked with improving the image of the NHS watchdog after it came under fire for its role in failing in oversight at the Mid Staffordshire hospital and from separate reports on its performance by the DH and the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee.

The new Chief Executive will join the Commission in July. Prior to working at the DH, he served as Chief Inspector of the Commission for Social Care Inspection.

“I am greatly looking forward to my next challenge of working with the CQC Board, staff and stakeholders,” said David Behan. “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.”