HCPC announces new Chief Executive

Bernie takes up the position from 3 July 2023. He will lead our organisation as we build on our work and achievements from the first half of our Corporate Strategy.

Bernie was selected from a strong pool of candidates after a series of thorough interviews and assessments.

Bernie joins the HCPC from the College of Policing, where he held the positions of Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Executive. His career has been focused on public protection and developing, promoting and ensuring high standards of professional practice. He is a proven leader, an excellent communicator and has extensive experience of successfully engaging with a wide range of stakeholders on complex and challenging issues.

Bernie O’Reilly, incoming CEO, commented:

“I am incredibly proud and excited to be appointed as the CEO of the HCPC. I am passionate about protecting the public and to be leading an organisation with that goal at its heart will be a real privilege. The HCPC, our registrants and the health and care sector more broadly have faced significant challenges over the last few years, but I am ambitious about the future direction of the organisation. I am looking forward to working with you all to continue and build upon the impressive progress that the HCPC is making. Alongside all of you I want to deliver our organisational vision to ensure public protection through strong, evidence-based regulation.”

Christine Elliott, Chair of the HCPC, commented:

“Bernie has drive, commitment and a depth and breadth of experience that will enrich and support the senior team and the organisation as a whole. He has worked at the highest levels, in situations where careful judgment under pressure has been crucial to success. I perceive Bernie to be a strong team player, with huge enthusiasm and high standards. His values and skills are what we need to help the HCPC be the best version of itself, deal with the challenges and grasp the opportunities of the future.”