Head of Clinical Governance & Quality Improvement in Darlington

Head of Clinical Governance & Quality Improvement in Darlington

Darlington Full-Time No working from home possible
HC-One

Lead quality improvement that makes a lasting difference to resident care.

Join a forward-looking care organisation where you'll shape clinical governance, strengthen quality standards and lead improvement across a large and diverse care home portfolio. Working alongside senior operational and clinical leaders, you'll influence strategy, build capability and ensure continuous improvement translates into better outcomes for residents.

This national role requires regular travel across the organisation's care home portfolio, with attendance at regional locations and the Central Support Office as required.

About the role

As Head of Clinical Governance & Quality Improvement, you'll provide strategic leadership for the organisation's clinical governance framework, overseeing key areas including safeguarding, resident safety, infection prevention and control, nursing standards, dementia care and clinical practice.

You'll lead a specialist quality improvement team, driving evidence-based improvement programmes, strengthening governance arrangements and supporting homes to move beyond compliance towards sustained excellence. Working closely with operational leaders, regulators and senior stakeholders, you'll use data, insight and quality improvement methodology to identify priorities, manage risk and deliver measurable improvements across the portfolio.

You'll also play a key role in developing clinical capability, providing expert guidance, supporting organisational improvement programmes and ensuring high-quality governance reporting for Executive and Board-level audiences.

About you

You're an experienced clinical governance leader with a strong background in adult social care or a regulated healthcare environment. Passionate about improving resident outcomes, you're equally comfortable influencing senior stakeholders, leading specialist teams and supporting frontline services to embed sustainable improvements.

You combine strategic thinking with a practical, hands-on approach, using evidence, data and coaching to improve practice, strengthen governance and build confidence across operational teams.

What you'll bring

Essential

  • Registered Nurse with current NMC registration.
  • Significant senior leadership experience in clinical governance, quality improvement or quality assurance within adult social care or healthcare.
  • Strong knowledge of care home governance, safeguarding, medicines management, resident safety, dementia care, infection prevention and regulatory requirements.
  • Proven experience leading quality improvement programmes across multiple services using structured improvement methodologies.
  • Experience leading and developing multidisciplinary or specialist teams.
  • Excellent analytical, coaching and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders and translate complex data into practical improvement plans.

Desirable

  • Quality improvement qualification (such as QSIR or IHI Improvement Advisor) or equivalent practical experience.
  • Further study in clinical governance, nursing practice, dementia care or adult social care.
  • Experience working with quality dashboards, electronic care systems or audit platforms.
  • Experience engaging with regulators, safeguarding partners, commissioners or other external bodies.

Additional information

An Enhanced DBS check and DVLA licence check are required in line with company policy.

About You


About The Company

Not Specified

Head of Clinical Governance & Quality Improvement in Darlington employer: HC-One

HC-One is an excellent employer that prioritises the well-being of both its Residents and staff. With a supportive work culture that encourages personal growth and development, employees benefit from comprehensive training, competitive pay, and generous leave policies. Working in Bloxwich, you'll be part of a dedicated team that values compassion and respect, making a meaningful impact in the lives of those you serve.

HC-One

Contact Details:

HC-One Recruitment Team