Former health and social care secretary James Murray announced Baroness Julia Neuberger as the preferred candidate for CQC chair in July 2026.

In its approval of the appointment, the committee said: ‘We believe that Baroness Neuberger would be a strong and capable chair and were encouraged by her candour about the CQC's current performance, her commitment to working in a collaborative manner and her focus on ensuring the inspection process is fair.

‘We are happy to support her appointment and wish her the best in taking on this challenging role.'

Baroness Neuberger currently serves as chair of Whittington Health NHS Trust and joint chair of University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; she will leave these toles on 30 September.

The role of CQC chair would entail working two to three days a week with a salary of £63,000.