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Investigator to probe CQC ‘bullying culture’ claims

An independent investigator has been appointed to probe a dispute between the CQC's leadership and a member of its board.

CQC board member Kay Sheldon told an inquiry into failings at Stafford Hospital of a 'bullying culture' at the CQC, including claims that the board had been 'sidelined' after she had raised concerns about the commission's leadership.

The health secretary Andrew Lansley has appointed Gill Rider, president of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, to investigate these claims.

The remaining three board members have signed a statement defending the performance of its chair Dame Jo Williams and CQC chief executive Cynthia Bower.

A Department of Health spokesperson said:  ‘We have ordered a review to quickly establish the facts around how Kay Sheldon's raising of concerns about the CQC were handled.'

‘This is separate to the Performance and Capability Review of the CQC, which will include looking at the functioning of the CQC board.'

Last week a National Audit Office report criticised  the regulator for not providing 'value for money' in its services.