The resignation of Sir Julian Hartley, Chief Executive of the Care Quality Commission, amid a maternity inquiry at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, marks a defining moment for health and social care regulation. In this blog, Dr Richard Dune examines what this development reveals about leadership accountability, governance, and public confidence in regulatory oversight. He highlights why transparency, training, and strong organisational culture are essential to prevent future failures and ensure that safety and learning remain central to every service.