‘Serious leadership failures’ found at major trust

A major trust has been accused of presiding over “serious and systemic failures in leadership” and rated inadequate in the well led domain by the Care Quality Commission. 

Mid and South Essex Foundation Trust, which was previously rated “requires improvement” in 2022 for the leadership domain, said it accepted the regulator’s findings.   

The CQC said: “Many described a culture where poor behaviours went unchallenged, and where financial pressures were perceived to take priority over quality and safety.

“Staff across all three hospital sites told us they felt disconnected from senior leaders, undervalued, and unable to raise concerns without fear.”   

However, the report, which followed an inspection in May, also said leaders had demonstrated “integrity and compassion” and “the scale of the challenge facing the trust required continued energy, enthusiasm, and tenacity”. 

It added: “The assessment team noted signs of fatigue and pressure, which may impact leaders’ ability to lead effectively during a period of significant organisational change.” 

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Source: HSJ, 5 November 2025