The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has appointed their interim Chief Inspector for adult social care and registration.

Debbie Westhead, the current Deputy Chief Inspector for adult social care for the north region, will take over from Andrea Sutcliffe when she leavers her position at the end of this year until a permanent Chief Inspector is appointed.

Ms Westhead said: “I am honoured and excited to be given the opportunity of leading the Adults and Social Care and Registration directorate in the role of interim Chief Inspector.”

The newly-appointed interim Chief Inspector started her career as a care assistant and progressing through local government, the Commission for Social Care Inspection and CQC.

Ms Sutcliffe said: “I am very pleased that Debbie has been appointed as interim Chief Inspector for Adult Social Care and Registration.

“Having worked with Debbie since I started at CQC I know how passionate and committed she is to improving adult social care services.”

Chief Executive, Ian Trenholm, said: “I am really pleased that Debbie will be joining the board and Executive Team as interim Chief Inspector, ensuring continuity of leadership at this important time for adult social care.”

Ms Westhead has been a member of Ms Sutcliffe’s leadership team since 2014, playing a role in the development and implementation of the CQC regulatory approach in adult social care.