At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead clinical governance, patient safety, and quality improvement initiatives.
- Company: Join the top-rated Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth in leafy St John's Wood.
- Benefits: Enjoy private healthcare, 27 days leave, discounts, and career progression.
- Other info: Supportive environment with ongoing development and recognition awards.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on patient care and drive organisational change.
- Qualifications: Degree-level education and experience in patient safety and governance required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced and motivated Head of Governance to lead our clinical governance, patient safety and quality improvement functions. This is a key senior role supporting the Director of Patient Safety & Quality Improvement to ensure the highest standards of care, regulatory compliance and a strong culture of learning. This role offers an exciting opportunity to support and drive clinical governance, patient safety and continuous quality improvement within a unique organisation. The Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth provides a wide range of services, including surgery, medicine, urgent care and palliative care, with an onsite hospice in‑patient unit. Located in leafy St John’s Wood on the Jubilee line, minutes from Central London, our independent private Hospital has just been rated the number one in the country for care in the latest Bupa survey. Uniquely, all profits fund our onsite Hospice, St John’s.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Provide leadership across governance, patient safety, risk and quality improvement.
- Oversee incident management, investigations and learning in line with PSIRF.
- Lead governance reporting, dashboards and audit programmes.
- Ensure compliance with CQC standards, national guidance and evidence‑based practice.
- Support departments to identify and manage risks effectively.
- Build strong relationships with clinical teams and external stakeholders.
- Lead improvement projects and drive organisational change.
What We’re Looking For
- Degree‑level education or equivalent experience.
- Strong background in patient safety, clinical governance, PSIRF and regulatory compliance.
- Proven experience in leading quality improvement projects.
- Skilled in data analysis, reporting and use of systems such as Datix.
- Excellent communication, leadership and influencing skills, as the role involves extensive engagement with internal and external stakeholders.
- Able to manage complex workloads and produce high‑quality reports.
- Committed to our values: Compassion, Commitment, Charity, Community.
Why apply for this role?
At our organisation we are passionate about providing our employees with a supportive and engaging environment. As well as ongoing development and training, we offer our employees a wide range of benefits:
- Private healthcare scheme worth up to £20,000 per year.
- 27 days annual leave.
- Blue Light Card discounts.
- Interest‑free season ticket loans.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Free eye check‑up vouchers with contribution towards lenses.
- Free newspaper and media subscriptions.
- Local Business discounts.
- Discount in our Hospice Charity shop.
- Refer a Friend scheme.
- Free Cinema Society Membership offering discounted tickets.
- Personal development and training courses.
- Annual events and recognition awards.
- Career progression and increments.
If you are ready for a new challenge and relish the chance to become part of a successful, forward thinking organisation then we would love to hear from you.
Head of Governance employer: St John & St Elizabeth Hospital
The Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth is an exceptional employer, renowned for its commitment to clinical governance and patient safety, situated in the picturesque St John’s Wood. With a strong focus on employee development, we offer a supportive work culture enriched with benefits such as private healthcare, generous annual leave, and opportunities for career progression, all while contributing to our mission of funding the onsite hospice through our profits. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values compassion, commitment, and community, making a meaningful impact in healthcare.
Contact Details:
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Governance
✨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 St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
✨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 St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
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When you find roles that excite you, especially at places like St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, don’t forget to apply through our website. This can sometimes give you an edge by showing the employer you’re savvy and committed to finding the right fit.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Governance
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 St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
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 St John & St Elizabeth Hospital.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital. 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 St John & St Elizabeth Hospital. 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 St John & St Elizabeth Hospital
✨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 St John & St Elizabeth Hospital’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!
