Prof Owolabi will be joining CQC from NHS England, where she is currently director of the National Healthcare Inequalities Improvement Programme.

Sir Julian Hartley, chief executive of CQC, said: ‘As we rebuild and develop the way that we work as a regulator, there has never been a clearer need for the thoughtful balance of clinical expertise, national leadership and understanding that Bola has shown in her work as a general practitioner and director of the National Healthcare Inequalities Improvement Programme at NHS England.

‘As a central part of a leadership team with oversight of health and care across England, the insight that Bola brings from her time working as National Speciality Advisor for Older People and Integrated Person-Centred Care at NHS England will also be invaluable to how we regulate across areas and systems.'

Prof Owolabi said: ‘My passionate commitment to reducing inequalities in healthcare has guided my career, and I'm delighted that my new role will help independent regulation play a more central role in building a truly equitable health and care system that delivers for everyone, especially underserved communities.

‘As a practising GP, I'll be drawing on personal experience to help ensure that CQC's regulation supports primary medical services to provide the best possible care for people. My work on improving integrated person-centred care has also given me a real understanding of the opportunities presented by community services to improve lives and help people get well and stay well.'

Prof Owolabi will join CQC in the summer, combining her role with her work as a practising GP in the Midlands.