Quality Assurance Officer (AWDO-P15107) in London) in Newcastle upon Tyne

Quality Assurance Officer

Are you an experienced Criminal Justice practitioner with strong analytical skills, excellent attention to detail and a passion for improving service quality and outcomes?

If you’ve also worked in the following roles, we’d also like to hear from you: Professional Standards Officer, Quality Officer, Compliance Officer, Quality Improvement Officer, QA Officer, Case Auditor, Service Quality Officer, Standards Officer, Audit Officer, Criminal Justice Officer

SALARY: £35,000 FTE / Actual Annual Salary of £21,284 per annum + Benefits

LOCATION: Remote Working - with limited travel to meetings and project sites, including Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Bristol and Newcastle

JOB TYPE: Part-Time, Permanent

WORKING HOURS: 22.5 hours per week, over 3 days

JOB OVERVIEW

This is an exciting opportunity for a Quality Assurance Officer to use Criminal Justice practice experience, professional judgement and a curious, analytical mindset to support high-quality service delivery.

As the Quality Assurance Officer you will provide quality assurance oversight across internal and commissioned services, analysing data, completing case audits and dip sampling, identifying trends and highlighting examples of good practice.

The Quality Assurance Officer will also support continuous improvement activity, contribute to practice workshops and training, and undertake complaints and investigations where allocated, ensuring matters are handled fairly, impartially and in line with policies and procedures.

DUTIES

• Complete Case Audits: Carry out quality assurance activity, predominantly through case audits and dip sampling
• Analyse Quality Data: Review quality assurance outcomes, identifying trends, excellent practice and areas for improvement
• Support QA Reporting: Help collate and analyse data for monthly Spotlight updates and quarterly Quality Assurance Reports
• Provide Service Oversight: Support quality assurance activity across internal and commissioned services
• Contribute to Improvement Plans: Attend quarterly Quality Improvement Plan meetings and support actions that strengthen practice
• Undertake Investigations: Handle complaints and investigations where allocated, ensuring fair, impartial and timely outcomes
• Prepare Reports and Letters: Produce clear, accurate and authoritative investigation outcome letters and reports
• Advise Colleagues: Provide advice and guidance to colleagues and managers on quality assurance and professional standards
• Support Policy Development: Assist with the development, review and implementation of relevant policies and Quality Assurance Frameworks
• Monitor Best Practice: Keep up to date with legislation, regulation and best practice relevant to the Criminal Justice sector
• Support Training Activity: Deliver or support training, workshops and awareness sessions relating to quality assurance and professional standards
• Build Partner Relationships: Develop positive working relationships with colleagues, commissioners and external partners

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

ESSENTIAL

• 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above, or equivalent, including English
• Previous practitioner experience combined with quality assurance and/or professional standards experience
• Experience handling complaints and conducting investigations
• Ability to deal with sensitive and confidential matters with discretion, integrity and professionalism
• Proven analytical and report-writing skills, with the ability to interpret information and communicate findings clearly
• Competent IT skills, particularly Microsoft Word, Excel and MS Forms
• Excellent time management, planning and organisational skills
• Excellent and authoritative written and verbal communication skills
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Experience developing constructive working relationships and working towards agreed outcomes
• Ability to work effectively from home in a structured, self-motivated and organised manner

DESIRABLE

• A degree in a relevant subject, or equivalent knowledge gained through professional experience, training or self-directed learning
• Experience working within the Criminal Justice sector
• Experience delivering training, workshops or awareness sessions
• Experience managing multiple projects and working to deadlines
• Ability to work confidently both independently and as part of a wider team
• A proactive approach, with the initiative to identify problems and develop practical solutions
• Flexibility and willingness to undertake a varied range of duties
• Willingness to undertake relevant training and continued professional development
• Resilience and the ability to work effectively under pressure

BENEFITS

• Remote working
• Pro rata 27 days annual leave per annum, plus bank holidays, increasing with service
• Birthday day off and option to buy additional annual leave
• 2 paid Volunteer Days each year
• 5% employer pension contribution, matched with 5% employee contribution
• Healthcare Cash Plan and Life Assurance, 3 x salary
• Annual salary review
• Refer a Friend scheme
• Access to Benefit Hub with retail discounts, Cycle to Work scheme and additional voluntary benefits