New NHSE chair seeks ‘clear accountability and responsibility’

The author of a major report into quality and governance in the NHS has stressed the responsibility of local boards – and hinted at a rebalancing from regulators to providers.

Penny Dash – who on Monday was confirmed as the new chair of NHS England – told a patient safety conference that accountability and responsibility for delivery were much clearer in many other industries.

“It is not like this in other industries,” she said. “They have very clear lines of accountability and responsibility, particularly through boards. It is usually much clearer who is responsible for delivering and who is responsible for regulating. That does not just stop at the board but throughout the organisation. It’s very clear what people’s jobs are.”

Dr Dash completed a review of the Care Quality Commission last year, and a second review covering wider quality and safety oversight is expected within the next three weeks.

Dr Dash told the HSJ podcast last month that her review would emphasise the role of boards, and that quality should encompass productivity and efficiency as well as safety and effectiveness, messages she also addressed at the Patient Safety Forum conference, organised by Public Policy Projects with Patient Safety Learning.

She said: “We know that well-managed services lead to more efficient use of resources – that in itself is a big quality opportunity. We can actually do things for less that frees up money for more care.”

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Source: HSJ, 4 March 2025