The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock, yesterday formally announced the publication of Tom Kark QC’s review of the ‘fit and proper person test’ for NHS board members.
In response, Tom stated that:
“I was asked to conduct a review into the ‘Fit and Proper Person test’ for Senior Executives in the NHS. After several months of in-depth research and consultation with over 70 individuals and organisations, I made five comprehensive and linked recommendations”.
“I am pleased that the NHS workforce working group under Baroness Dido Harding will consider the recommendations which are designed to ensure that the management of the NHS is strengthened, proper references are required for directors and directors guilty of misconduct cannot move from one trust to another.’
Tom completed the review last year and delivered it to the then Minister for Health, then Stephen Barclay MP, in November 2018.
During the review Tom Kark QC and Jane Russell, of Essex Court Chambers, consulted with senior leaders in the NHS including those within NHS Improvement and NHS England. He also spoke to interested MPs, managers’ forums, patient groups, whistle-blowers, the National Guardian’s Office, several Chief Executives of Trusts and medical regulators including the Care Quality Commission, General Medical Council and the Professional Standards Authority. He also heard from OFSTED, the Teachers’ Regulation Agency and many others as well as the Royal College of GPs.
The five central recommendations were set out in chapter 13 of the report which can be found here.
If you have any other enquiries, please contact our senior clerk, Chris Emmings.
Tom Kark KC