Care England has welcomed the announcement of Sir Mike Richards as the government’s preferred candidate for CQC chair.
According to Care England, the appointment marks ‘an important moment for health and social care regulation. With a distinguished career spanning clinical leadership and regulatory roles, [Sir Mike] brings not only expertise but also a deep appreciation of the challenges facing the social care sector’.
Care England chief executive Professor Martin Green OBE said: “Sir Mike Richards is an excellent choice to lead the CQC. He understands the vital role of social care and the need for a regulatory system that supports, rather than stifles, high-quality care. At a time when providers are under immense pressure, we need leadership that listens, engages, and ensures regulation is fair, proportionate, and focused on what truly matters – delivering the best possible care for those who need it. We look forward to working closely with Sir Mike and Sir Julian Hartley to build a system that works for both providers and the people they support.”