Care Commission Welcomes New Strong Voice

The appointment of Professor Frank Clark as new convener of the Care Commission will ensure the key challenges facing the care sector in Scotland will continue to be strongly voiced, according to Chief Executive Jacquie Roberts. Professor Clark, who brings a wealth of experience and knowledge from his varied career, takes up his position with the Care Commission on October 17. Jacquie Roberts said the new convener joins at an exciting time of change and challenge for the Care Commission.

She said: “The Care Commission has a major contribution to make to the strategic development of health and care policy in Scotland. The primary purpose of care regulation is to drive up standards.  Many services are good but we want to ensure a high standard for everyone. We know that the care received by some older people, in particular, is of major national concern.

“The Board of the Care Commission includes in its membership, strong voices representing service users and carers and the appointment of Frank Clark as convener ensures that the challenges facing both the organisation and the care sector will continue to be given the highest attention.   

“We know that Frank Clark shares our absolute priority of putting people and their families at the heart of regulation. Having been Director of Strathcarron Hospice, Frank Clark understands the pressures that a body like the Care Commission faces. People being regulated seldom love their regulator, but people using services have to rely on effective regulation to safeguard their interests. 

“We want to see a much louder public voice: one that demands good information and support.  But we also understand the need to provide value for money in the public sector – an area where I believe we already have achieved success.”

Jacquie added that Frank Clark’s experience in delivering a wide range of services means he has much to offer the Care Commission and its staff. She said: “It’s clear Frank Clark is a man with huge experience of leadership, management and, perhaps more importantly, someone who is not afraid of making change where change is needed. The Care Commission looks forward to working with him on making the improvements to services that Scottish people want”

Jacquie also paid tribute to the work of departing convener Mary Hartoll, who leaves after five years service to the Care Commission. She said: “Thanks to Mary’s leadership, the Care Commission has raised the importance of quality services in the social care sector.  Mary has always been committed to providing a voice for the voiceless. A great number of people who either use care services or know someone who does have a lot to be thankful for.”

Professor Clark said he is delighted to have the opportunity to succeed Mary Hartnoll who he hailed for successfully setting up and developing the Care Commission to the stage which it is today. He said: “I look forward to using my 41 years of experience in the field of health care at executive and non executive level to build on that platform by ensuring that the Care Commission plays its full part in the strategic development of Scotland’s health and social care agenda.

“I am aware of the significant social responsibility which the Commission carries and of the expectations which the people of Scotland have to ensure the regulation process is used to both maintain and enhance high standards in our care services. I regard it as a privilege to be appointed by Scottish Ministers lead the board of such a key and influential body.”

There are 12 non-executive board members of the Care Commission who are chaired by the convener.   Board members are appointed by Scottish Ministers. The Board sets the strategic direction of the Care Commission, taking into account of the legislation and policy guidance from the Scottish Executive.