Leeds and York Mental Health Trust Given Requires Improvement Leadership Rating

Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has been rated requires improvement for leadership by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), following an inspection that identified weaknesses in management oversight, fire safety and safeguarding arrangements.

The inspection took place between 14 and 16 April. The trust provides services for autistic people, people with learning disabilities and those with mental health needs across Leeds and York. It employs more than 3,000 staff and operates across 66 sites.

CQC found the trust was in breach of regulations relating to good governance, with improvements needed to ensure risks were identified and addressed consistently.

The inspection took place while the trust was in early discussions about a potential merger with a local community trust. Both organisations already shared the same chief executive.

Inspectors raised concerns about the trust’s fire safety record. Between April 2024 and March 2025, it recorded 27 fire-related incidents, placing it fifth highest nationally for reported incidents during that period. A further 24 incidents were reported between April and December 2025.

CQC said the figures highlighted the need for stronger fire safety arrangements. Inspectors also identified areas requiring improvement in managing people placed out of area and safeguarding processes.

Feedback about senior leadership was mixed. While most partners considered leaders visible, some raised concerns about the trust’s focus and responsiveness to the needs of people using its services.

Most staff said they felt confident that feedback and concerns would be welcomed, but data indicated further action was needed to address bullying and harassment. Union representatives described positive relationships with leaders but raised concerns about the emphasis on staff sickness rather than the wellbeing of employees who remained at work.

Despite the concerns, CQC acknowledged the commitment of compassionate and inclusive leaders to listening to staff and service users. Inspectors also highlighted positive partnership working and efforts to improve services through feedback and innovation.

Around 75% of people who responded to a survey said their care was good or very good.

The regulator also recognised the trust’s work with local community and voluntary sector organisations to tackle ethnic inequalities in mental health. The trust was a national early implementer site for the Patient and Carer Race Equality Framework, with a project group established and training being developed to improve the collection of information about protected characteristics.

Craig Howarth, CQC deputy director of mental health in the north, said leaders demonstrated a commitment to improving the organisation’s culture, but the pace of progress did not always provide sufficient assurance that risks were being managed effectively.

CQC said it had outlined the improvements required and would continue monitoring the trust to ensure action was taken.

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