A Former Care Quality Commission (CQC) chief has joined HC-One, one of the UK’s biggest care home providers as a non-executive director.

Sir David Behan was the head of CQC for six years and has been in the health and social care industry for 40 years.

He was referred as a ‘fair and principled man who will be missed by the sector’ by Professor Martin Green OBE, chief executive.

HC-One said Sir Behan will be working to ensure the company maintains and develops their strong quality record and build on its existing work to develop industry-leading career opportunities for its staff.

Sir Behan said: “I have been impressed by HC-One’s commitment to ensuring their residents are safe, happy and well cared for and that their staff are well supported and trained.

“I am very much looking forward to working with the HC-One board to maintain and develop safe, kind, high quality care.”

Sir Behan was awarded a knighthood for services to health and care in the 2017 New Year’s Honours list and presented with a City and Guilds fellowship in October 2016.

Dr Chai Patel, HC-One chairman said: “Sir Behan brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the company that will benefit residents, relatives and staff, and help us to continue providing the kindest care in the communities we serve.”