Can NHS regulation really drive improvement?

In this episode of Health on the Line, host Matthew Taylor is joined by Professor Sir Mike Richards, chair of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and one of the most influential figures in modern NHS leadership. 

Sir Mike reflects on his first year as CQC chair, the challenges of rebuilding confidence in regulation, and how inspection and assessment can better support improvement across health and social care.  

The conversation explores CQC reform, defining what good looks like, regulating across systems rather than silos, and the future of integrated and neighbourhood-based care. 

Matthew and Sir Mike also discuss early diagnosis and screening, lessons from cancer care, the importance of outcomes and culture, and what it will take for regulation to keep pace with the ambitions of the NHS 10 Year Health Plan.