The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has appointed Mark Sutton as its first chief digital officer.
The appointment comes after CQC chief executive Ian Trenholm told the Health Select committee in October last year that it was his intention to recruit a chief digital officer, to make the CQC an ‘easier organisation to work with’.
Mr Sutton, who is currently technology director at the charity Teach First, is expected to join the healthcare watchdog in April.
He has more than 20 years of IT management experience, which he gained as he worked across different sectors, including finance, insurance, retail, healthcare and charities.
Mr Trenholm said: ‘I am very pleased to welcome Mark Sutton to the CQC. We have an ambitious programme of digital transformation ahead and Mark’s experience and track record in delivering improvements to core IT services and tools will be absolutely invaluable.
‘The role of chief digital officer is an important addition to our executive team and board in an area critical to our strategic plans.’
Commenting on his own appointment, Mark Sutton said: ‘Through digital innovation, we have a real opportunity to drive positive change and enhance the vital work we do with providers and the public.
‘By streamlining technology, we’ll not only make working life better for our colleagues, but make every aspect of the work we do more efficient too.’
