The CQC is to appoint a new chief inspector of adult social and integrated care in order to allow Kate Terroni to focus more fully on her new role as deputy chief executive.

Terroni has been carrying out the dual role of chief inspector of adult social care and chief operating officer on an interim basis.

In an executive team update designed to help deliver on its transformation agenda, the regulator said its job title for chief operating officer would now be deputy chief executive to better reflect the duties and responsibilities of the role, which include the transformation programme, culture change and Quality Improvement across the organisation.

The CQC said it is seeking to recruit a new chief inspector of adult social care and integrated care to ensure they are given the right level of attention and expertise at a senior level.

Sean O’Kelly is to continue in his role following the merger of the previous positions of chief inspector of hospitals and chief Inspector of primary medical services into the position of chief inspector of health care to reflect wider changes in how health and social care is delivered, particularly across primary and secondary care.

Ian Trenholm, chief Executive at CQC, said: “I’m confident that by making these changes, CQC will have the right mix of skills, roles and expertise in place at the most senior level. This will enable us to deliver the next phase of our transformation programme, so that together we can ensure health and social care services provide people with safe, effective, high quality care.”