Ann Farenden is a registered nurse and registered nurse tutor. She has worked in clinical practice, education and management and held local and regional posts in the NHS across the UK and abroad. She has also worked at board level for 16 years in learning disability and acute trusts.

As Nursing Director she was responsible for governance, patient and public experience as well as professional nursing and was also the director of Infection prevention and control. She is a Fellow of Wolverhampton University and was visiting professor at Birmingham City University between 2007– 2010.

Ann was appointed to the Healthcare Commission in 2008 before transferring to CQC as a National Professional Advisor. Her work involves providing advice to all directorates with a particular focus on nursing, midwifery and governance. She provides support to compliance teams undertaking complex reviews and investigations and advice to all departments across CQC. She also chairs the Maternity Outliers Panel. Ann’s role requires external partnership working with professional bodies such as RCN, RCM, UNISON and professional regulators such as NMC and HPC providing an essential link with CQC.

Ann also represents CQC at national meetings and events as well as communicating with healthcare professionals across the country.