Job Introduction
Quality Assurance Officer
Salary £30,000 - £35,000 + £2400 car allowance
Full time office based in Alderley Park, Macclesfield with regular travel to site throughout the UK
Free parking
37.5 hours per week
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
Closing date for applications: 9th Oct 2026
Role Overview
The Quality Assurance Officer is responsible for driving measurable and sustained improvements in quality, safety and outcomes across the organisation, ensuring services consistently meet and exceed regulatory standards and support Gray Healthcare’s ambition to achieve and sustain CQC Outstanding ratings.
The post holder will:
Provide robust governance assurance in line with Regulation 17 (Good Governance)
Deliver independent scrutiny and professional challenge to operational and clinical teams
Ensure quality assurance activity translates into measurable improvements in outcomes for people we support
Embed a culture of continuous learning, accountability and reduced variation
Ensure all quality assurance activity produces a clear, auditable evidence trail demonstrating compliance, improvement and impact
This role is not limited to audit and compliance — it is a key driver of organisational improvement and evidence of impact
Key Responsibilities
1. Governance, Assurance and Regulatory Compliance
Embed and deliver a robust quality assurance framework aligned with CQC standards (Safe, Effective, Caring, Responsive, Well-led)
Conduct independent audits, including “check the checker” audits, to validate first-line assurance
Provide clear, evidence-based assurance to senior leadership on quality, risk and compliance
Apply a risk-based approach, prioritising high-risk services, individuals and practice areas
Ensure feedback from the people we support, and families is used to shape improvement and evidence impact
2. Driving Measurable Improvement
Ensure all QA activity results in:
Demonstrable improvements in care quality and safety
Reduction in risk, incidents and restrictive practice
Improved outcomes and quality of life for people supported
Additional responsibilities:
Track before-and-after impact of interventions and improvement actions
Escalate where improvement is not achieved and implement further action
3. Audit, Analysis and Insight
Conduct detailed audits of:
Care plans
Risk assessments
PRN usage
Incident and safeguarding records
Clinical decision-making and documentation quality
Analyse trends across:
Incidents and risks
Medication use (including PRN)
Safeguarding and restrictive practice
Translate data into clear insight that drives decision-making and improvement
4. Risk Identification, Escalation and Mitigation
Identify early signs of risk, deterioration and poor practice
Ensure risks are:
Clearly documented
Appropriately escalated
Actively mitigated and monitored
Support accurate and dynamic risk registers and governance reporting
5. Embedding Person-Centred and Least Restrictive Practice
Ensure care and supportis:Person-centred, evidence-based and outcome-focused
Challengepractice where:PRN or restrictive interventions are overused
Promote:Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)De-escalation and preventative strategies
Evidence that:Alternatives to restrictive practices are consistently applied
6. Strengthening Practice and Accountability
Provide constructive challengeand professional scrutiny to:Service ManagersClinical Teams
Hold teams accountable for:Quality standardsTimely completion of actionsSustained improvement
Supportimprovement through:CoachingFeedbackTargeted follow-up audits
7. Learning Culture and Continuous Improvement
Identify, share and embed learning from incidents, audits and reviews
Promote a culture of:
Open and transparent practice
Reflective learning
Continuous improvement
Ensure learning is:
Translated into practice changes
Embedded across all services
8. Action Planning and Delivery
Produce clear, structured audit reports including:
Risks
Actions
Owners
Timescales
Measurable success criteria
Monitor delivery of action plans through to completion and embedded practice change
Escalate delayed or ineffective actions through governance routes
9. Organisational Consistency and Quality Improvement
Reduce variation in quality across services
Ensure consistent standards in:
Care planning
Risk management
Documentation
Supportservices to move from:Reactive → proactive care delivery
Essential Skills & Experience
Experience in a Quality Assurance / Governance role within Health & Social Care
Strong understanding of CQC regulations and inspection frameworks
Proven ability to:Analyse complex dataIdentify risks and trendsDrive measurable improvement
Strong attention to detail and ability to challenge poor practice
Excellent communication and report-writing skills
Experience working with complex needs, PBS and person-centred care
Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities
Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel
Desirable Qualifications & Experience
Professional qualification in Quality Assurance, Clinical Governance, or Health & Social Care
OR demonstrable experience in audit, compliance or regulatory oversight
Experience supporting services to achieve CQC Good or Outstanding ratings
Knowledge of Regulation 17 (Good Governance) and audit frameworks
Experience contributing to audit cycles, service reviews and improvement plan
Benefits
Highly competitive salary
Free parking
Company pension
Professional development
Westfield Cashplan & Rewards
Blue Light Card
Why Join Gray Healthcare
Gray Healthcare is a specialist Health and Social Care provider. We support people with Learning Disabilities, Autism, Mental Health conditions, Acquired Brain Injury, and Emotional Complex Needs to transition safely and successfully from inpatient and community settings back into their own homes and communities.
Our approach is founded on person-centred care, clinical expertise, and measurable outcomes, enabling individuals to regain control, independence, and quality of life within their own environment.
We design and deliver bespoke support packages for each individual, led by a dedicated multidisciplinary team and adapted to meet both current and future needs. Our focus is not only on stability, but on progression, independence, and reducing long-term reliance on restrictive environments.
We are committed to delivering safe, effective, and outcome-focused care, underpinned by continuous improvement, strong governance, and a culture of learning. Our services are designed to demonstrate clear evidence of impact, including improved wellbeing, reduced risk, and successful community integration.
At Gray Healthcare, we are passionate about delivering exceptional care and Outstanding outcomes. Our commitment to quality and transparency is reflected in our Care Quality Commission (CQC) ratings and inspection reports, available on our website.
Quality Assurance Officer in Macclesfield employer: Gray Healthcare
Gray Healthcare is an exceptional employer that prioritises the emotional wellbeing and independence of both its clients and staff. With a strong focus on person-centred care, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages professional growth and development, while working in a fulfilling role that makes a real difference in people's lives. Located in Burton-on-Trent, the company offers unique opportunities to engage meaningfully with clients in a collaborative male support team environment.
