Mike Richards

Professor Sir Mike Richards was a hospital physician for more than 20 years, was awarded a CBE in 2001, and became CQC’s first Chief Inspector of Hospitals in July 2013.

After a variety of training posts, he was a consultant medical oncologist between 1986 and 1995, and Professor of Palliative Medicine at Guy’s and St. Thomas’ Hospitals between 1995 and 1999. In 1999 Sir Mike was appointed as the first National Cancer Director at the Department of Health. In 2007, his role was extended to include end of life care. He led the development and implementation of the NHS Cancer Plan in 2000, the Cancer Reform Strategy in 2008 and Improving Outcomes: A Strategy for Cancer in 2011.

In July 2012 he was appointed as Director for Reducing Premature Mortality on the NHS Commissioning Board (now NHS England).

He became CQC’s first Chief Inspector of Hospitals in July 2013 and led the development and implementation of a new approach to hospital inspection. Sir Mike retired from this role at the end of July 2017.

Sir Mike was awarded a CBE in 2001 and appointed a Knight Bachelor in 2010. He is an Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Radiologists, the Royal College of Pathologists and the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.

Following his retirement from the Care Quality Commission, Mike has taken on many advisory and non-executive director roles, including a role as a Non-Executive Director of the Department of Health. He is currently leading a review of screening services and diagnostic capacity in the NHS on behalf of NHS England.