Job at a glance
We're looking for an experienced and inspirational Head of Quality Assurance to lead our quality assurance framework across England and Scotland, as well as the regulatory audit programme for CQC-regulated Sanctuary Supported Living services. Reporting directly to the Director of Quality and Chief Nurse, ensuring we continue to deliver outstanding care and support while meeting regulatory, legislative and organisational standards.
This is a strategic leadership role, working in partnership with operational leaders, directors and quality and clinical teams. You'll drive continuous improvement, provide assurance on quality and compliance, and help shape the future of our services. As an Investors in People Platinum accredited organisation and one of the UK's leading not-for-profit care providers, we invest every penny we make back into our people and services.
Join us and help ensure the highest possible standards for the people we are privileged to support. As Head of Quality Assurance, you will: Lead the delivery of a robust, comprehensive and sustainable quality assurance service across Sanctuary Care, together with the regulatory audit programme for CQC-regulated Sanctuary Supported Living services. Lead, manage and develop a team of quality assurance auditors, promoting consistent practice and ensuring the team has the capability and capacity required to deliver the audit programme effectively.
With the Director of Quality and Chief Nurse develop and implement the organisation's quality assurance strategy, identifying priorities, emerging risks, innovative approaches and best practice. Design, develop and oversee internal quality review programmes that provide accurate assessments of service quality, performance and regulatory compliance. Oversee the full audit lifecycle, including risk-based scheduling, preparation, audit delivery, review, feedback, reporting, publication, action monitoring and escalation, ensuring compliance with regulatory, statutory and organisational requirements.
Monitor and interpret changes in legislation, regulatory frameworks and inspection methodology, leading the timely review, redesign, testing and implementation of audit tools. Lead the Registered Managers Networks for England and Scotland, sharing regulatory updates, inspection learning, emerging trends and best practice, and supporting managers to understand their regulatory responsibilities. Build strong relationships with operational, clinical, quality improvement, compliance and supported living leaders to identify risks, coordinate assurance activity, address service delivery challenges and drive continuous improvement.
Provide expert advice and guidance on action planning following reviews, inspections and audits to support improved outcomes. Maintain clear governance and escalation arrangements for significant quality or regulatory risks, providing timely assurance to senior operational leaders, directors and relevant governance forums. Identify emerging trends, risks and opportunities through data analysis and quality monitoring activity.
Contribute to the development, review and implementation of policies, procedures and governance frameworks. Extensive experience of working within services regulated by the CQC or Care Inspectorate, together with the ability to work confidently across the differing regulatory requirements in England and Scotland. Demonstrating comprehensive knowledge of current regulatory frameworks. Experience of leading, developing and supporting a team, including setting expectations, managing performance, allocating resources and maintaining consistent standards across a varied programme of work.
Demonstrable experience of translating changes in regulation, legislation or inspection methodology into practical assurance frameworks, audit tools and operational guidance. Proven ability to interpret audit findings and inspection outcomes, provide constructive feedback and drive continuous improvement across multiple