Preferred candidate for post of Care Quality Commission chair announced
David Prior has emerged as the Government’s preferred candidate for the post of Chair of the CQC.
The Secretary of State for Health has today invited the Health Select Committee to hold a public pre-appointment scrutiny hearing and report on the candidate’s suitability for the post, in line with proposals for scrutiny of key positions in which Parliament has an interest.
After a hearing, the Committee will set out its views on the candidate’s suitability for this post. The Secretary of State will then consider the conclusions of the Committee’s report carefully before deciding whether or not to proceed with the appointment.
David Prior is Chairman of Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals Foundation Trust and Chair of an Academy School. David qualified as a barrister and spent ten years in the Steel Industry. Between 1995-2002 he served in a number of political roles, including as MP for North Norfolk, Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive of the Conservative Party and a member of the Trade and Industry Select Committee. He has been Chair of a wide range of private companies.
Notes to editors
1. The Care Quality Commission is the independent regulator of health and adult social care providers in England. CQC ensures that only providers who have made a legal declaration that they meet the essential standards of quality and safety and satisfy the registration process are allowed to enter the market and provide care.
- The CQC board provides leadership and governance for the organisation. Its key duties are to:
- Provide strategic direction and set operational objectives in line with national policy and legislative guidelines;
- Set and maintain the values for the organisation and ensure that its obligations to all stakeholders, including people who use services and the Secretary of State, are understood and met;
- Monitor the achievement of objectives through a framework of effective financial and quality management to ensure effectiveness and value for money;
- Collectively promote the effectiveness and success of the CQC;
- Promote and contribute to best practice and knowledge transfer across the sectors it oversees.
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The Chair of CQC will be accountable to the Secretary of State for Health and will be expected to provide leadership and challenge to the organisation.
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David Prior is Chairman of Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals Foundation Trust and Chair of an Academy School. David qualified as a barrister and spent ten years in the steel industry. Between 1995-2002 he served in a number of political roles, including as MP for North Norfolk, Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive of the Conservative Party and a member of the Trade and Industry Select Committee. He has been Chair of a wide range of private companies.
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The recruitment process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments and, in accordance with the Commissioner’s code, involved a Public Appointments Assessor at all stages, including as Chair of the interview panel.