Professor Sir Mike Richards CBE MD FRCP; FRCR (Hon); FRCPath (Hon); FRCSE (Hon)
Biography
Professor Sir Mike Richards was a hospital physician for more than 20 years. After a variety of training posts, he was a consultant medical oncologist between 1986 and 1995, and Professor of Palliative Medicine at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals between 1995 and 1999.
In 1999 Sir Mike was appointed as the first National Cancer Director at the Department of Health. He led the development and implementation of the NHS Cancer Plan in 2000, the Cancer Reform Strategy in 2007 and Improving Outcomes: A strategy for cancer in 2011.
He became the Care Quality Commission’s first Chief Inspector of Hospitals in July 2013 and led the development and implementation of a new approach to hospital inspection. Sir Mike retired from this role at the end of July 2017.
Sir Mike was awarded a CBE in 2001 and appointed a Knight Bachelor in 2010
He led two major reviews for NHS England: A review of adult screening services (published 2019) and a review of diagnostic services (published October 2020). This recommends a major expansion of diagnostic capacity and a new model of service delivery. He is currently working with NHS England to help implement his report. He is also a trustee of Cancer Research UK. In April 2022 he was appointed as Chair of the UK National Screening Committee.
Chair
The Chair has responsibility for providing effective leadership. The Chair will ensure that accurate, timely, clear information is provided to members and that the minutes of the meetings accurately record the discussions held and the advice agreed.