New CQC chief executive, David Behan, welcomed by important care sector figures

The English Community Care Association (ECCA) and the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) have publicly welcomed the appointment of David Behan, currently director general for social care, local government and care partnerships at the Department of Health, as the new chief executive of regulator the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The appointment was announced last week by CQC chair Dame Jo Williams, as a replacement for current chief executive Cynthia Bower, with Dame Jo saying: “I’m delighted to confirm David as our new Chief Executive. The quality of applicants was exceptionally strong, but David's combination of frontline and regulatory experience, coupled with his commitment to making a difference for people who use services, made him an outstanding candidate.

“His clarity of vision and strong track record on delivery will be crucial to driving forward the next stage of CQC’s development – as we continue to build on the progress already made, delivering increasing benefits to the health and social care system through our essential role in tackling poor care. I and my Board very much look forward to working with him.”

ECCA chief executive Martin Green commented: “The appointment of David Behan as Chief Executive CQC is greatly welcomed by the care sector. David has a good track record in regulation and we hope his appointment will mark a new beginning for CQC and an opportunity to establish regulation an essential element of a quality care system.”

Also welcoming the appointment, ADASS president and former colleague Sarah Pickup said: “David has made a substantial contribution to social care throughout his earlier career, as social worker, social care manager and director of social services. He was also a distinguished President of this Association, and a highly respected Chief Inspector with the Commission for Social Care Inspection.

“Everyone in ADASS wishes him well in what will be a demanding job in taking the Care Quality Commission forward into a new and challenging social care and health environment.”

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

Des Kelly of the National Care Forum also said: “David Behan is the dream appointment for the CQC given his wealth of experience as Director of Social Services, Chief Inspector at CSCI and most recently as Director General for Social Care at the Department of Health. NCF looks forward to working with the CQC in a new era for the joint regulator.”

Image: ECCA chief executive Martin Green