At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead mental health services, improve outcomes, and drive regulatory action across the Central region.
- Company: Join CQC, a mission-driven organisation dedicated to enhancing mental health services.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27+ days of annual leave, NHS pension, training opportunities, and wellbeing initiatives.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace prioritising fairness and support for all applicants.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in mental health while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading operational services and knowledge of mental health regulations required.
The predicted salary is between 75183 - 75183 £ per year.
Contracted Hours: Full-time 37 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent
Location: Homebased with travel as required
Closing Date: Sunday 27 September 2026 at 11.59pm
Stage 1 Written Assessment Date: Emailed to candidates by COB Thursday 15 Oct – to be completed & returned by 9am Monday 19 Oct
Stage 2 Interview Date (for candidates who pass Stage 1): Wednesday 28 October 2026 - to be held Face to Face in our London Office
Make a difference
Every role at CQC contributes to our mission. If you're looking for a new role in Mental Health that offers real meaning and purpose, you've found it. As Deputy Director for Mental Health, you'll provide leadership across the Central region, helping CQC improve mental health services, protect people's rights and drive better outcomes for people who use care services.
Picture this
You're leading a large and diverse portfolio across the Central region, balancing operational delivery with strategic influence. One day you're supporting teams with complex regulatory decisions, the next you're working with senior system leaders to address emerging risks and improve experiences for people using mental health services.
As a Deputy Director for Mental Health, you might:
- Lead regional activity to identify and respond to emerging provider and system risks, ensuring regulatory action is timely, proportionate and focused on improving outcomes for people who use services.
- Lead a programme of consultation and co-production, working with partners and people with lived experience to shape approaches to regulation and drive improvement across the sector.
The role
You'll play an important part in delivering our mission. In this role, you'll:
- Provide strategic and operational leadership: Lead regulatory activity across the Central region, ensuring priorities are delivered, risks are managed effectively and high-quality regulatory decisions are made.
- Lead people and performance: Support and develop senior colleagues, oversee performance and resources, and create an inclusive environment where teams can thrive and deliver their best work.
- Build trusted partnerships: Work with providers, system partners, people who use services and colleagues across CQC to drive improvement, share expertise and deliver CQC's strategic priorities.
Show us
We will be looking for specific skills, knowledge and experience in your application form:
- Experience leading large operational services, regulatory activity or major programmes within mental health, social care, health or a similar complex environment, including responsibility for performance, risk and outcomes.
- Knowledge of regulation, operational and government policy, alongside significant expertise in mental health services and how they are delivered.
- Experience leading change or improvement work in complex environments, using data or insight to guide decisions and achieve clear improvements.
Apply today to join a workplace where your impact is felt every day.
You can read the full details of the role in the following Job Description and Candidate Information Pack:
- Job Description
- Candidate Pack
How to apply
To apply for this role, please submit a copy of your CV and Supporting Statement (no more than 750-words) via the Recruitment System. Your Supporting Statement should cover the following:
- How your previous experience makes you suitable for this role?
- What strengths will you bring to the role?
If you’d like to have an informal chat about the role you can contact – Stuart Dunn, Director of Mental Health via his Team PA; Elaine.Supple@cqc.org.uk
For general enquiries, please email recruitment@cqc.org.uk
Compliance
To progress your application, you’ll need to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK. Without valid right to work you won’t be eligible for the role. We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. Some roles may also be subject to a satisfactory DBS check.
Next steps
If you apply, you’ll need to create a profile and complete an online application form. Please see our information for applicants for more details on the process. We contact every applicant to let them know the outcome of their application, so you will hear from us whether you are shortlisted.
The Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits, including:
- Annual leave starting at 27 days per year, rising to 32.5 days with service, plus bank holidays (usually 8 days per year).
- Training and development opportunities.
- Wellbeing initiatives, such as gym discounts and meditation.
- NHS pension scheme, with around 23.7% employer contribution.
- Discount schemes (including eligibility for Blue Light card, costing £4.99 and valid for 2 years), reward vouchers, car leasing and more!
Please see our benefits page for the full list.
Equity for all
We know job descriptions can feel intimidating. Research shows they can cause some people to doubt whether they’re a good fit. This happens more often to people from underrepresented groups (e.g. ethnic minority backgrounds). If this role interests you, we encourage you to apply. Your unique perspective, skills, and experience could be exactly what we need. We want every candidate to feel supported and able to do their best. If you need adjustments to our process, we’ll work with you to remove any barriers. Visit our accessibility page for more on this. If you’d like to chat, please contact recruitment@cqc.org.uk.
We promote a workplace where fairness, respect and inclusion are a priority. See our ED&I page for more about this. We welcome applications from everyone, and colleagues can find support and community among our many employee networks. This includes people of any: Age, Sex, Gender identity or expression, Sexual orientation, Religion or belief, Ethnicity, Disability.
A Note on AI
We know AI tools can be great for research and refining ideas, but we want to learn about you. If you use AI or Chatbots to help you with your application, keep these points in mind:
- AI can support research, structuring and refining your writing, but your application must reflect your real skills and experience.
- Spell-checking and condensing word counts are great ways to use AI effectively.
- Do not copy and paste AI generated answers. These will not help you stand out; remember we want to hear about your skills and experience.
- Providing false and insincere examples goes against our core values of honesty and integrity and may lead to your application being withdrawn or termination of your employment.
Values and vision
We are guided by our core values, which shape our work and our culture.
- Excellence – being a high-performing organisation.
- Caring – treating everyone with dignity and respect.
- Integrity – doing the right thing.
- Teamwork – learning from each other to be the best we can.
Deputy Director of Mental Health - Central employer: Care Quality Commission
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in health and social care across England. With a strong emphasis on teamwork, integrity, and inclusivity, CQC fosters a supportive work culture that values diverse perspectives and encourages professional growth through unique opportunities like the Executive Reviewer role. This honorary position not only allows you to contribute to vital assessments but also offers flexibility to balance with your current commitments while claiming expenses for your valuable time.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Director of Mental Health - Central
✨Get Involved with Local Health Initiatives
Join local community health events or volunteer for organisations like public health agencies. This not only builds your experience but also helps you network with industry professionals who might know of openings at places like Care Quality Commission.
✨Tap into Professional Associations
Check out associations like the Institute of Healthcare Management. They often have job boards, networking events, and conferences that are perfect for connecting with potential employers in health sciences administration.
✨Stay Updated with Industry Trends
Follow health policy news and trends—being knowledgeable about the current landscape will not only help you in interviews but also make you stand out as a candidate. You can discuss recent developments and their implications when chatting with folks at Care Quality Commission.
✨Apply Through Our Website for Better Visibility
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We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Director of Mental Health - Central
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in health sciences administration, it's super important to spotlight any relevant experience you have in healthcare settings. Whether you've worked in a hospital, a clinic, or any related environment, make sure to detail those roles in your CV – focusing on your responsibilities and achievements that align with the job at Care Quality Commission.
Showcase Your Administrative Skills:Administrative skills are key in this field, so don’t hold back! Make sure your CV reflects your proficiency in things like scheduling, data management, and compliance with health regulations. Mention specific software you’ve used, such as patient management systems, as this will demonstrate your hands-on abilities and readiness for the role at Care Quality Commission.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to Care Quality Commission. Share a bit about why you’re drawn to this sector, any impactful situations or challenges you’ve encountered, and how they’ve shaped your desire to work in health sciences administration. This personal touch can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Documents to the Job:Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach! Make sure your CV and cover letter are specifically tailored for this role. Highlight any certifications you have relevant to health administration, and ensure you clearly connect your previous roles to the skills needed for the full-time position at Care Quality Commission. This way, you're showing them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Care Quality Commission
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
In health sciences administration, being organised is key. Make sure you can demonstrate your skills in managing schedules, paperwork, and data accurately. Be ready to discuss specific tools you've used, like electronic health record systems or scheduling software, and how they improved efficiency in your past experiences.
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarity with healthcare regulations and compliance is crucial. Brush up on HIPAA, GDPR, or other relevant policies before your interview. We recommend preparing examples of how you've ensured compliance or handled sensitive information in past roles—this will show you're not just knowledgeable but also responsible.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Interviews for administrative roles often involve scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving skills. Practice responses to common situations you might face, such as dealing with a challenging patient or managing a sudden schedule change. This will not only demonstrate your ability to think on your feet but also highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Align Your Goals with the Organisation
As a full-time candidate, employers will want to know how your long-term career goals align with their mission. Take some time to research Care Quality Commission’s values and be ready to tie your passion for health sciences administration into their objectives. Demonstrating enthusiasm and career alignment can be a game-changer in this competitive field!
