The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has appointed Kate Terroni as its new chief inspector of adult social care.
Ms Terroni is expected to start her new role in May. She will step in the role that Debbie Westhead has been covering as interim chief inspector since Andrea Sutcliffe left in December to join the Nursing and Midwifery council.
Currently director of adult social care at Oxfordshire County Council, Ms Terroni is known in her county for embedding coproduction in adult social care – a concept that can be broadly explained as a way of encouraging citizens, decision makers and service providers to work closely together.
A registered social worker, Ms Terroni is also co-chair of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services workforce network.
Commenting on Ms Terroni’s appointment, CQC chief executive Ian Trenholm said: ‘Kate has a strong track record in social care and her passion and commitment to improving outcomes for people is evident throughout her career.
‘I have no doubt that Kate will build on Andrea Sutcliffe’s impressive legacy to keep driving up standards in adult social care to make sure each and every person experiences the high quality care they need.’
Ms Terroni said: ‘It’s a real privilege to have the opportunity to build on the work of Andrea Sutcliffe; having an unrelenting focus on quality outcomes for individuals through good quality care provision.
‘To date I have spent my career within local government as a qualified social worker, running operational teams, commissioning services and finally having the opportunity to serve as director of adult social care at Oxfordshire County Council.
‘This is an incredibly important time for adult social care, awaiting the Green paper, while at the same time encouraging the delivery of high quality care in a challenging environment.’
