The CQC's interim chief executive Kate Terroni has announced that she is stepping down from her role at the beleaguered regulator with immediate effect.
James Bullion – acting interim chief executive during Terroni's recent leave of absence – will stay in the role until Sir Julian Hartley takes up post as CQC's permanent chief executive.
Kate Terroni said: “At the beginning of September, I informed the chair of my decision to not apply for the permanent chief executive role, as I recognised the need for fresh leadership to take us forward.
“It has been a huge privilege to act as interim chief executive, but it has also been an intensely challenging experience, and I needed to take some time away to absorb the impact it has had on me. This led me to think about what comes next – my career has been non-stop for the last 22 years, driven by the desire to make a difference for people who use services, but I now want to take some time to think about what the next 22 years could look like.
“I wish Julian all the best as he takes on this very special job. He is a well-respected and experienced leader within the health and social care sector, and I know that under his leadership and with the support of you all, CQC will make the necessary improvements to get back on track.
“I am proud to have been part of CQC and I have every confidence that with the wonderful people in this organisation, we will come back stronger than ever and better able to help ensure that people get good, safe care.”
