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- Tasks: Lead investigations, ensuring high-quality case management and customer service.
- Company: Join a dynamic regulatory organisation focused on healthcare standards.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and involvement in strategic initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare regulation and drive positive change.
- Qualifications: Experience in casework management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
The Head of Investigations is a member of the Regulatory Operations leadership team and will be jointly responsible with the Head of Case Progression and Head of Fitness to Practise (FtP) Legal for the high quality and timely progression of investigations into concerns about fitness to practise, in accordance with legislation and fitness to practise rules.
Key elements of the role include:
- Strategic and operational responsibility for the delivery of a high quality and effective casework management process - embedding a customer-focused service which maximises use of available resources to enable improvements in the end-to-end age profile of our open casework.
- Overall budgetary and financial accounting responsibility for the investigation function ensuring value for money and a continuous focus on efficient financial and operational management.
- Responsible for the management, oversight and performance of panel firms providing legal services, ensuring cases are proactively progressed in the most efficient, timely and cost-effective way possible.
- Oversight and review of the resource structure and casework processes to ensure high quality and effective casework management and support.
- Maintaining a high level of knowledge on the broader regulatory framework and providing up-to-date expertise and advice to the Senior Management Team and Council on issues relating to fitness to practise.
Your work and behaviours will demonstrate our key values:
- We act with integrity.
- We respect other people and ideas.
- We show empathy.
- We behave fairly.
- We are agile and responsive to change.
As a member of the GOC Leadership team, the postholder will support the Director by co‑leading service improvement projects across the directorate and wider GOC and engage colleagues to deliver process and behavioural change to support our strategic plans. The postholder will on occasion be asked to deputise for the Director of Regulatory Operations.
Key Accountabilities:
- Lead the performance of the investigations team, allocating work and setting targeted key performance indicators in line with the organisation’s strategic aims.
- Review and oversee effective progress of all investigation cases and consistent application of FtP policy pre‑hearing, including regular progress review meetings with teams.
- Identify and implement improvements to performance and risk management, effective case management and support, and proactive performance reporting.
- Oversee the management and performance of panel firms to ensure the GOC receives high quality, efficient and cost‑effective legal advice and collaborate with the Head of FtP Legal to embed a cost‑effective model of legal support across the directorate.
- Ensure high quality customer service is provided to all stakeholders, both internal and external.
- Ensure the timely production of high quality and accurate financial and management information to inform SMT, Council and the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) of progress against the business plan and other key performance indicators and present this information to senior stakeholders as required.
- Manage, coach and develop operations managers (investigations) within a dynamic, supportive and positive team working environment.
- Contribute to the development of FtP policy, guidance and strategy.
- Support the development of strategies and initiatives that deliver the Council’s vision and corporate objectives.
- Contribute to working groups of the PSA and Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to progress our commitment to meeting all relevant standards and to progress our legislative reform agenda.
- Deliver programme or project management responsibilities as required.
Essential Skills/Experience/Qualifications:
- Comprehensive knowledge of the legal framework governing professionals healthcare regulation.
- Significant experience of overseeing efficient casework management or other similar function.
- Experience of leading performance change.
- Comprehensive knowledge and significant experience of using data in driving performance improvement.
- Understanding of the role of fitness to practise and similar legal issues, or a demonstrable ability to acquire such an understanding.
- Ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
Head of Investigations employer: General Optical Council
Contact Detail:
General Optical Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Investigations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. We want to see how you align with our mission and culture, so be ready to share your thoughts on integrity, empathy, and agility in your work.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions. We recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help you showcase your experience effectively!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Investigations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities of the Head of Investigations role. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a team, don’t forget to share examples of your leadership experience. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and manage a dynamic team effectively.
Highlight Your Regulatory Knowledge: Demonstrate your understanding of the legal framework governing healthcare regulation. We value candidates who can show they’re up-to-date with relevant legislation and fitness to practise issues.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at General Optical Council
✨Know Your Regulatory Framework
Make sure you brush up on the legal framework governing healthcare regulation. Being able to discuss specific legislation and how it impacts fitness to practise will show that you're not just familiar with the basics, but that you have a comprehensive understanding of the field.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your experience in overseeing casework management and driving performance change. This will help illustrate your capability to lead the investigations team effectively.
✨Showcase Your Customer-Focused Approach
Think about how you can demonstrate a customer-focused mindset in your previous roles. Be ready to share instances where you've improved service delivery or stakeholder engagement, as this aligns perfectly with the role's emphasis on high-quality customer service.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage risk. Prepare by thinking through potential challenges in case management and how you would address them, showcasing your strategic thinking and operational responsibility.