30 September 2010
Dame Jo Williams, the former Mencap chief executive, has been confirmed as the new chair of the CareQuality Commission.
Williams has served as acting chair of the health and social care watchdog since February. She takes over from Baroness Barbara Young, who stepped down in December.
Announcing Williams’ appointment today, Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said: ‘As the acting chair for the last eight months, she has already demonstrated the leadership needed in steering the CQC through its final stages of bringing NHS trusts into the full registration system, and transforming the new registration system for independent health care and adult social care providers.’
The appointment follows an independent recruitment exercise and a scrutiny hearing from the Commons health select committee. Williams’ term will last four years and she will be paid £60,000 a year for three days per week.
Commenting on the confirmation, Williams said she did not underestimate the challenges ahead.
‘The commission will perform a vital role as the landscape of the NHS and social care changes and the financial situation becomes more difficult,’ she said.
Williams is a former president of the Association of Directors of Social Services. She is also chair of the Prison Reform Trust and sits on the Commission for the Funding of Care and Support, which is charged with making recommendations about how long-term care can be funded in the future.
