Sir Julian Hartley is to leave his role as chief executive at NHS Providers to take up a new position as chief executive of the independent healthcare regulator, the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

He had served at NHS Providers since February 2023 and had previously been chief executive of several organisations, including ten years as Chief Executive of Leeds Teaching Hospitals.

Sir Julian said: "It is vitally important for NHS trusts, foundation trusts and the wider health and care sector to have effective regulation to support improvement and safe care for patients. This move will give me an opportunity to really focus on that goal.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed representing members and working with a group of dedicated, fantastic colleagues at NHS Providers. It has been a privilege to lead what I believe is an outstanding membership organisation, making a real difference for NHS trusts and foundation trusts, the communities they serve, and for patients. 

"I have absolutely no doubt that this will continue to be the case.

"I will work with colleagues in the executive teams at NHS Providers and at CQC to make the transition as smooth and seamless as possible.

"I would like to thank all the staff team at NHS Providers for their tremendous support and commitment.

"I look forward to working with and supporting members in my next role, to deliver the high-quality regulation they need and deserve."

The chair of NHS Providers, Sir Ron Kerr, said: "I would like to thank Julian for the great leadership and commitment he has brought to his role at NHS Providers.

"His insight and understanding of the provider sector have enabled us to go from strength to strength, supporting members through unprecedented challenges.

"Julian has also forged a strong, productive relationship with colleagues across the staff team who have appreciated his expertise, integrity and his kindness.

"He leaves with our very best wishes and we look forward to working closely with him on behalf of members in his next role."

The timing of the move and interim arrangements at NHS Providers ahead of the appointment of a new chief executive will be confirmed in due course.

Ian Dilks, Chair of CQC, said: “I am very happy that CQC will make such a strong appointment to the role of Chief Executive. Sir Julian was chosen from an outstanding field for his significant leadership experience and his experience of contributing to developments in the wider health and social care landscapes.

“Sir Julian is an experienced and highly respected Chief Executive with a track record of leading organisations through challenging times, balancing the need to both improve short term performance and evolve strategy alongside a passionate commitment to improving people’s care. He has a background in health but also has experience in and believes in the crucial importance of adult social care.

“CQC has much work to do to rebuild trust with the public, providers and with our own staff. We also await the findings and recommendations of the final review from Dr Penny Dash and of the review that we have commissioned from Professor Sir Mike Richards. However, I am confident that Sir Julian has the qualities and experience to lead the organisation through the challenges ahead and help to ensure that we make the right changes to become the strong effective regulator that people who use and work in health and social care services need and deserve.”