CQC appoints first executive level chief digital officer

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has appointed its first executive level chief digital officer.

Mark Sutton, currently the technology director at charity Teach First, will join the CQCs board and executive team in April this year.

Mark has more than 20 years’ senior IT management experience in financial services, insurance, retail healthcare and not-for-profit organisations.

“Through digital innovation, we have a real opportunity to drive positive change and enhance the vital work we do with providers and the public,” Mr Sutton said on his appointment.

“By streamlining technology, we’ll not only make working life better for our colleagues, but make every aspect of the work we do more efficient too.”

The CQC has previously had a joint chief digital officer with NHSI, but Mr Sutton’s appointment is the first executive role.

Ian Trenholm, chief executive of the CQC, said: “We have an ambitious programme of digital transformation ahead and Mark’s experience and track record in delivering improvements to core IT services and tools will be absolutely invaluable.

“The role of chief digital officer is an important addition to our executive team and board in an area critical to our strategic plans.

“I look forward to working with Mark so that we can continue to deliver our purpose in a rapidly changing health and care sector.”

Part of the digital transformation at the CQC involves being given the power to rate online medical services.

The Department of Health and Social Care confirmed in January 2018 that has given the healthcare regulator the power to rate services which offer medical advice and prescriptions from GPs online, following a public consultation.