At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead quality assurance and governance for impactful adult social care services.
- Company: Join Calm Futures, a values-driven provider of high-quality support.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team focused on continuous improvement and person-centred care.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of adults with complex needs.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in adult social care and strong knowledge of CQC regulations required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Purpose of the Role The Head of Quality and Governance provides strategic leadership for quality assurance, governance, safeguarding, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement across Calm Futures. The postholder is responsible for ensuring services are safe, effective, person-centred, and outcomes-focused, while maintaining compliance with relevant legislation, Care Quality Commission (CQC) regulations, and recognised best practice standards. As a member of the Senior Management Team, the role provides independent oversight and assurance across regulated and non-regulated services, leading the organisation’s approach to quality improvement, organisational risk, safeguarding governance, inspections, and regulatory engagement. The role combines strategic leadership with operational assurance to promote a culture of accountability, learning, and continuous improvement throughout the organisation.
About Us Calm Futures is a values-led adult social care provider delivering high-quality, person-centred support across supported living, residential care, and specialist services for adults with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs.
Role Profile
- Member of the Senior Management Team
- Reports to the Group Managing Director
- Organisational lead for safeguarding, quality, and governance
- Provides independent oversight and challenge across operational services
- Holds delegated authority for regulatory and compliance judgement
- Maintains oversight and accountability for organisational quality, governance, and compliance risks
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Quality and Governance Leadership
- Lead the development and implementation of the organisation’s quality and governance strategy
- Embed a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and learning across all services
- Ensure quality frameworks support outstanding person-centred care and positive outcomes
- Oversee the development and review of organisational policies, procedures, and governance frameworks to ensure compliance with legislation, regulatory standards, and best practice
- Provide strategic oversight of organisational governance, safeguarding, compliance, and risk management arrangements
- Regulatory Compliance and Assurance
- Maintains excellent knowledge of: CQC Regulations and Fundamental Standards, Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act (MCA) and DoLS/LPS, Safeguarding legislation and guidance, NICE guidance, Human Rights legislation, Health and Safety requirements, Positive Behaviour Support and restrictive practice governance
- Ensure effective systems are in place to monitor compliance, identify risk, and support continuous improvement
- Lead organisational readiness for inspections and regulatory reviews
- Provide expert guidance and support to senior leaders and Registered Managers on quality and compliance matters
- Maintain oversight of regulatory action plans, service improvements, and governance reporting
- Safeguarding, Risk and Organisational Oversight
- Provide strategic leadership for safeguarding governance across the organisation
- Oversee serious incidents, investigations, complaints, whistleblowing concerns, and regulatory notifications
- Exercise professional judgement in complex safeguarding and organisational risk matters
- Maintain oversight of organisational risk registers, incident trends, lessons learned, and improvement actions
- Lead governance oversight of restrictive practices and behavioural support approaches where applicable
- Ensure MCA and DoLS processes are legally compliant, embedded, and effectively monitored
- Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement
- Lead the organisation’s audit and quality assurance framework
- Analyse audits, incidents, complaints, feedback, and performance data to identify themes, risks, and opportunities for improvement
- Provide strategic oversight of digital care and quality management systems to support governance, reporting, compliance, and service improvement
- Ensure robust action planning and sustainable improvement following audits, inspections, incidents, and investigations
- Monitor service quality across all locations and provide support and challenge where improvement is required
- Promote co-production and ensure the voices of people supported, families, and staff inform service development and improvement
- Leadership and Management
- Provide leadership, direction, and professional oversight to quality, compliance, and governance functions
- Support and challenge operational leaders to maintain safe, effective, and high-quality services
- Build organisational capability through coaching, mentoring, training, and leadership development
- Foster a positive and inclusive culture aligned with Calm Futures values
- Lead organisational learning and the sharing of best practice across services
- External Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as the organisation’s senior representative with: Care Quality Commission (CQC), Local Authorities, Safeguarding Partnerships, Integrated Care Boards, Commissioners and external professionals
- Lead responses to inspections, safeguarding reviews, serious incidents, and regulatory concerns
- Develop and maintain effective relationships with regulators, commissioners, and partner agencies
- Mobilisation and Service Development
- Provide governance and regulatory oversight for new services and service developments
- Ensure services are established in line with regulatory, safeguarding, staffing, and quality requirements
- Ensure governance frameworks, policies, and quality systems are embedded from service commencement
- Support organisational growth through quality-led service development and innovation
- On-Call and Escalation Responsibilities
- Participate in senior management on-call arrangements
- Provide strategic leadership and decision-making support during serious incidents, safeguarding matters, and regulatory escalations
- Act as a senior escalation point for organisational risk and crisis management issues
Person Specification
Essential Experience and Knowledge
- Significant senior leadership experience within adult social care, health, or specialist care services
- Extensive experience within CQC regulated environments
- Strong working knowledge of: CQC Fundamental Standards, Safeguarding, MCA/DoLS, Governance and risk management, Health and Safety legislation
- Proven experience leading inspections, audits, investigations, and quality improvement programmes
- Experience supporting people with: Learning disabilities, Autism, Complex needs, Behaviours of distress
- Strong leadership, analytical, and decision-making skills
- Ability to influence and lead at senior organisational level
- Experience managing organisational risk and regulatory relationships
Essential Qualifications
- Professional qualification in Health and Social Care, Leadership, or a related field
- Level 5 qualification in Leadership for Health and Social Care (or equivalent experience)
Desirable
- Level 7 Leadership or Management qualification
- Experience as a Nominated Individual and/or Registered Manager
- IOSH or NEBOSH qualification
- Lead Auditor or Quality Improvement qualification
- Experience supporting organisational growth, mobilisation, or transformation programmes
- Knowledge of Positive Behaviour Support frameworks
Key Outcomes
- Safe, high-quality, and compliant services across Calm Futures
- Strong governance, safeguarding, and organisational oversight
- Positive regulatory relationships and inspection outcomes
- Effective identification and mitigation of organisational risk
- Continuous improvement and measurable service quality outcomes
- A culture centred on person-led care, accountability, and learning
What We Offer
- Competitive salary
- 23 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Blue Light Card and employee cashback scheme
- Ongoing professional development and CPD support
- A supportive and values-led working environment
- Opportunity to shape and influence quality across a growing organisation
Head of Quality and Governance in Essex employer: Calm Futures
Calm Futures is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and values-led working environment where you can make a meaningful impact in adult social care. With a strong focus on professional development, competitive benefits, and a culture of continuous improvement, this role provides the opportunity to lead quality and governance initiatives that directly enhance the lives of individuals with learning disabilities and complex needs. Join us in shaping high-quality, person-centred services while enjoying a collaborative atmosphere that prioritises accountability and learning.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Quality and Governance in Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their approach to quality and governance, and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they're about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on articulating your leadership style and how you've driven quality improvements in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at Calm Futures and making a difference in quality and governance.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Quality and Governance in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of Quality and Governance role. Highlight your leadership experience in quality assurance and governance, and don’t forget to mention any relevant qualifications!
Showcase Your Knowledge:Demonstrate your understanding of CQC regulations and safeguarding legislation in your application. We want to see that you’re not just familiar with these standards but that you can apply them effectively in a real-world context.
Be Person-Centred:Since we’re all about person-centred care at Calm Futures, make sure your application reflects this ethos. Share examples of how you’ve put people at the heart of your work and how you’ve driven positive outcomes for those you support.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status directly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Calm Futures
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarise yourself with the CQC regulations and other relevant legislation mentioned in the job description. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you understand the compliance landscape and can lead quality assurance effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've led teams in previous roles, particularly in quality improvement and governance. Highlight your ability to foster a culture of accountability and continuous learning, as this aligns with the values of Calm Futures.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Think about how you would develop and implement a quality and governance strategy for the organisation. Be ready to discuss your vision for promoting person-centred care and how you would ensure compliance while driving improvements.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare to talk about your experience in engaging with external stakeholders like local authorities and regulatory bodies. Discuss how you’ve built relationships and navigated complex situations, as this is crucial for the role.
