Dr Arun Chopra, Interim Chief Executive at the Care Quality Commission (CQC), said: "I am delighted to welcome Baroness Neuberger as the new Chair of CQC.
"Julia's experience, drawn from her years chairing University College London Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and the Whittington Hospital NHS Trust and as Chief Executive of the Kings Fund, as well from leading significant reviews of care, will be invaluable.
"That experience and insight will be crucial as CQC continues its work to become the effective, trusted regulator that people, providers and staff need us to be. As I return to my substantive role as Chief Inspector of Mental Health following the arrival of our new Chief Executive, Emily Miles, I look forward to continuing to work with Julia in that capacity."
Baroness Neuberger said: "Having chaired two NHS trusts and led reviews into some of the most challenging areas of care, from end-of-life care to mental health, I understand both the pressures facing the health and social care system and how essential it is to have a strong, effective regulator.
"I look forward to working with Emily Miles and colleagues across CQC to ensure the organisation plays its full role in driving improvement and helping people receive safe, high-quality care.
"My first priority will be to listen. I want to hear directly from CQC staff, people who draw on care and support, providers and the wider public. By listening carefully and acting on what we hear, we can continue the progress already being made and build confidence in the organisation.
"I would like to thank Kay Boycott for her leadership as Interim Chair and Arun Chopra for his leadership as Interim Chief Executive. I am grateful for the strong foundations they have both helped to build ahead of my arrival."
The role of CQC Chair is appointed by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care in accordance with the Cabinet Office's Code of Governance for Public Appointments.
Baroness Julia Neuberger was confirmed as the government's preferred candidate in July 2026. The Secretary of State has taken the final decision following confirmation from the Health and Social Care Select Committee on 9 September 2026.
It is a three-year role and Baroness Neuberger will begin on 1 October 2026. The position carries an annual salary of £63,000.
