At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead independent reviews to advocate for the rights of vulnerable individuals in mental health care.
- Company: Join the Care Quality Commission, ensuring high-quality care across England.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, strong NHS pension contributions, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives and influence positive change in healthcare.
- Qualifications: Experience in mental health services and knowledge of Human Rights and Mental Health Acts.
- Other info: Home-based roles available across various regions with travel required.
The predicted salary is between 42044 - 47900 ÂŁ per year.
Grade B - £42,044 (National) or £47,900 (London – for London office based or home‑based workers within the boundary of the M25). There is also an additional homeworking allowance of £600 per annum for those working from home.
Contracted Hours: Full time 37 hours per week.
Contract Type: Fixed Term/Secondment until 31 March 2028.
Location: Home‑based – 1 post in the South, 1 post in the Midlands and 1 post in the North – regular travel across the relevant region is essential. Candidates must be willing and able to travel within the stipulated regions and live within the specified regions; location will be carefully considered to ensure that the role and responsibilities are manageable. Please note that the locations you will be required to visit are not always well served by public transport.
Assessment Dates: tbc.
Closing date: Sunday 5 April 2026 at 11.59pm.
About Us
The CQC, or Care Quality Commission, is England's independent regulator for health and adult social care, ensuring services like hospitals, care homes, GPs, and dentists provide safe, effective, compassionate, high‑quality care by registering, monitoring, inspecting, and rating providers, and taking action to improve standards for the public. Through the dedication of our expert teams, we monitor against key questions such as whether care is safe, effective, caring, responsive, and well‑led, giving the public assurance and driving improvement. One of our main commitments is to become a truly inclusive organisation and to role model a diverse and representative culture. To do so, we work with a variety of networks, including the Disability Equality Network, Race Equality Network and LGBT+ Equality Network.
We are now looking for people to chair our Independent Care Education and Treatment reviews of people with a learning disability and autistic people in long‑term segregation in hospital. These roles are to join us on a full‑time basis for a fixed‑term/secondment until 31 March 2028.
Why this could be a great role for you…
This is a unique opportunity for an experienced mental health and/or learning disability professional with in‑depth knowledge of the Human Rights Act and the Mental Health Act to join our compassionate regulatory organisation. In this vital role, you will directly influence and advocate for the human rights of some of the most vulnerable people currently detained under the Mental Health Act. You will be responsible for the comprehensive and independent review of people's care and treatment, making recommendations to services to work towards and make real improvements in people's lives.
What’s more, you will be part of an organisation whose vision is that everyone receives safe, effective and compassionate care. We will provide you with strong NHS pension contributions, generous annual leave and access to wellbeing and development opportunities, ensuring you’re supported to do work that truly matters.
So, if you are ready to use your expertise to make real change and protect people’s rights to have a safer, fairer health and social care system, read on and apply today.
What you will bring…
- Experience of working in or with inpatient mental health and/or learning disability services.
- In‑depth knowledge and a working understanding of the Human Rights Act, the MHA, and the Code of Practice.
- A passion and commitment to improve the lives and experience of people detained under the Mental Health Act.
What you’ll be doing…
As an independent Chair of Care Education and Treatment reviews, you will lead an independent team to review the full care and treatment of people with a learning disability and autistic people in long‑term segregation in hospital. Leading this small team, you will coordinate onsite activities, speak with people using services, families, carers, staff and other stakeholders to ensure each person’s lived experience is heard and respected.
You will utilise your knowledge to challenge care that does not meet the requirements of the Mental Health Act Code of Practice and highlight risks of human rights breaches. As part of the role, you will make clear, time‑bound recommendations that reduce restrictions and support safe, meaningful progress towards leaving long term segregation and working towards discharge. You will be responsible for following up with services to ensure that progress is being made against the recommendations and highlighting any regulatory concerns.
- Lead focused reviews of an individual’s full care and treatment.
- Engage with commissioners, clinicians and stakeholders to support implementation of recommendations.
- Identify and elevate safeguarding concerns to inspection colleagues.
- Support delivery of the IC(E)TR programme before, during and after the reviews.
- Influence and inform the wider inspection programme.
Compliance
Note for internal candidates: This is a secondment/fixed‑term opportunity. Please read the recruitment and selection policy section on secondments. You must discuss your application with your line manager before applying.
To progress your application, you’ll need to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK. Without a 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. Your application will be completely anonymous. 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 or not you are shortlisted.
You can read the full details of the role in the Job Description.
For an informal chat about the role, contact Meryll Paterson, Operations Manager (MHA Operation Manager, ICETR) – For general enquiries, please email.
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.
Chair of Independent Care (Education) and Treatment Programme in London employer: Care Quality Commission
Contact Detail:
Care Quality Commission Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chair of Independent Care (Education) and Treatment Programme in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the mental health and learning disability sectors. Attend relevant events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the CQC and its values. Understand their mission and how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you articulate how you can contribute to their vision during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your knowledge of the Human Rights Act and Mental Health Act, as these are crucial for the role. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the CQC team and making a difference in the lives of those with learning disabilities.
We think you need these skills to ace Chair of Independent Care (Education) and Treatment Programme in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience and skills that match the role. We want to see how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the Chair of Independent Care, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant expertise!
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out the application form, keep your answers clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward responses that get right to the heart of your qualifications and experiences. Remember, less is often more!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for improving the lives of vulnerable individuals shine through in your application. We’re looking for candidates who are genuinely committed to making a difference, so share your motivations and what drives you in this field.
Check Your Details: Before hitting submit, double-check all your information for accuracy. Typos or missing details can make a big difference, and we want to ensure your application reflects your best self. And remember, apply through our website for a smooth process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Care Quality Commission
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Human Rights Act and the Mental Health Act. Understanding these laws is crucial for the role, so be prepared to discuss how they apply to the care and treatment of individuals with learning disabilities and autism.
✨Show Your Passion
This role is all about advocating for vulnerable individuals. Be ready to share your personal commitment to improving their lives and experiences. Think of specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your dedication to this cause.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions during the interview. Prepare by thinking through potential challenges you might encounter in the role and how you would address them. This will show your problem-solving skills and your ability to think on your feet.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since you'll be working with various stakeholders, it’s important to highlight your experience in engaging with different groups. Be ready to discuss how you would facilitate communication between families, carers, and service providers to ensure everyone’s voice is heard.