The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has announced the appointment of Professor Bola Owolabi as its new Chief Inspector of Primary Care and Integrated Care, as part of its leadership restructuring initiative to strengthen regulatory oversight across health and social care.

Professor Owolabi currently serves as Director of the National Healthcare Inequalities Improvement Programme at NHS England, where she led the development of Core20PLUS5, a nationally recognised strategy aimed at reducing health inequalities and improving outcomes for underserved communities.

With a background as a practicing GP, Professor Owolabi has played a central role in shaping community health and anticipatory care policy, including contributions to wider national efforts on integrated care, prevention, and person-centred services. She has consistently advocated for a stronger focus on equity, prevention, and access across the NHS.

Her appointment is the second in a series of four new chief inspector roles created by the CQC as part of its organisational transformation. Earlier this year, the Commission announced Dr Arun Chopra as Chief Inspector of Mental Health. The remaining chief inspector roles, covering hospitals and adult social care, are expected to be filled later this year.

Commenting on her new role, Professor Owolabi said:
“My passionate commitment to reducing inequalities in healthcare has guided my career, and I’m delighted that my new role will help independent regulation play a more central role in building a truly equitable health and care system that delivers for everyone, especially underserved communities.”

CQC Chief Executive Sir Julian Hartley added:
“There has never been a clearer need for the thoughtful balance of clinical expertise, national leadership and understanding that Bola has shown in her work.”

Professor Owolabi is expected to take up her new position later in 2025. NHS England has thanked her for her contributions to national health inequalities improvement.

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