CQC appoints chief inspector of integrated care

The Care Quality Commission has appointed an interim chief inspector of adult social care and integrated care.

James Bullion is to join the regulator “in the coming months”, the CQC has announced. He will replace Kate Terroni, who was appointed interim deputy chief executive last month.

Mr Bullion is currently executive director of adult social services at Norfolk County Council and a member of Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board, where he oversaw the “transformation” of adult services.

He was also president of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services in 2020-2021 and has recently been working with the Department of Health and Social Care on plans to improve hospital discharge.

The government is yet to confirm plans for how the CQC will inspect ICSs, but HSJ reported last month ratings will not be issued until at least summer 2024, as current legislation only requires the CQC to review and assess ICSs and not rate them.

Commenting on Mr Bullion’s appointment, Ms Terroni said: “It’s fantastic to have James join the team at the point we go live with our new powers to assess local authorities, as an experienced DASS and having been involved with the development of our approach.”

Mr Bullion said: “I am delighted to be joining CQC at such an important time for the organisation, councils and people drawing on services as we strengthen the national assurance arrangements and reform social care.

“I am grateful to Norfolk for supporting this, and hope to bring my experience and understanding of being a DASS as well as my national work as ADASS past president and on social care discharge to the many talents in CQC.”