At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead quality and governance initiatives to enhance patient care at St Luke’s Hospice.
- Company: St Luke’s Hospice, dedicated to providing compassionate end-of-life care in Harrow and Brent.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a team that values compassion, learning, and community support.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on patient care and lead a culture of excellence and innovation.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in quality and governance within healthcare settings.
The predicted salary is between 63814 - 63814 £ per year.
Contract: Permanent, Full-time (37.5 hours per week and on call responsibilities)
Salary: £63,814.66 plus London allowance per annum
Location: St Luke’s Hospice, HA3 0YG
About us
St Luke’s Hospice cares for people approaching the end of their life in Harrow and Brent. We aim to give the people we care for the best possible quality of life, every day. Supporting local people and their families is at the heart of what we do – focusing on what matters the most to them is at the centre of our care. Founded by local communities in 1987, we have been providing free expert end of life care and support to local people both in the community and from our beautiful Kenton Grange building, surrounded by tranquil gardens. Two thirds of our care is provided in the comfort of peoples’ homes, as we respect that this is where most people would like to be looked after. Our specialist community team of nurses helps people to manage more complex needs whilst our Hospice at Home team supports people to remain in their own homes by providing practical care and support. Our inpatient unit (IPU) at Kenton Grange cares for people in their final days, providing intensive care to help get symptoms under control or give respite care. Many of the people who are cared for in our IPU go home again.
Job Summary
Are you an experienced quality and governance leader ready to make a lasting impact in hospice and palliative care? At St Luke’s Hospice, we are seeking an exceptional Head of Quality to lead our governance, quality, patient safety, and continuous improvement agenda across the organisation. This is a pivotal leadership role where you will shape and strengthen a culture of excellence, compassion, learning, and innovation — ensuring our services remain safe, effective, evidence-based, and truly patient-centred.
About the role
Reporting into the senior leadership team, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across:
- Clinical governance and quality assurance
- Patient safety and risk management
- CQC compliance and inspection readiness
- Patient experience and engagement
- Quality improvement and audit programmes
- Research, innovation, and organisational learning
You will work collaboratively with clinical and non-clinical leaders to ensure robust governance systems are embedded throughout the Hospice and aligned with the CQC Single Assessment Framework. This is an opportunity to influence while also leading meaningful improvement initiatives that directly enhance patient and family care.
Key responsibilities
You will:
- Participate in the senior on-call rota supporting 24/7 operations
- Lead the development and delivery of the Hospice Quality Strategy
- Drive continuous improvement and governance excellence across all services
- Lead CQC preparation and support the organisation’s ambition to achieve and sustain an Outstanding rating
- Oversee incident management, investigations, risk registers, and quality assurance programmes
- Champion a positive culture of learning, psychological safety, and Just Culture principles
- Provide expert leadership on patient safety, governance, compliance, and quality improvement methodologies
- Lead on patient experience, complaints, feedback, and organisational learning
- Support innovation, research activity, and evidence-based practice
- Develop high-performing teams across governance, patient engagement, informatics, and compliance
Note: This job description reflects the present requirements of the post. As duties and responsibilities change and develop, the job description will be reviewed and is subject to amendment in consultation with the post holder. Applicants are encouraged to inform us if any reasonable adjustments are needed to be made during any part of the recruitment process. St Luke’s Hospice are equal opportunity employers and particularly welcome applications from groups who are currently under-represented in our staff. Please note: We will not be able to employ you if you are not eligible to work in the UK. We will not be able to obtain a work permit on your behalf.
Head of Quality employer: St Luke’s Hospice
St Luke’s Hospice is an exceptional employer dedicated to providing compassionate end-of-life care in Harrow and Brent. With a strong focus on employee growth, we foster a culture of excellence and innovation, offering opportunities for professional development while ensuring our staff are supported in their vital roles. Our tranquil location and commitment to patient-centred care make St Luke’s a rewarding place to work, where you can truly make a difference in the lives of local families.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Quality
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the healthcare sector, especially those involved in hospice and palliative care. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching St Luke’s Hospice thoroughly. Understand their values and how they align with your experience in quality and governance. This will help you showcase how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at St Luke’s Hospice.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Quality
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in quality and governance. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at St Luke’s Hospice, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for hospice and palliative care shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who truly cares about making a difference in people’s lives, so share your motivation and commitment to patient-centred care.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us understand your qualifications quickly and easily.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at St Luke’s Hospice.
How to prepare for a job interview at St Luke’s Hospice
✨Know Your Quality Standards
Familiarise yourself with the latest quality and governance standards in hospice care. Understand the CQC Single Assessment Framework and be ready to discuss how you can ensure compliance and drive improvements in patient safety and experience.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to share examples of how you've led teams in previous roles, particularly in fostering a culture of learning and psychological safety. Highlight your experience in managing quality improvement initiatives and how you’ve successfully engaged staff in these processes.
✨Understand Patient-Centred Care
Be ready to articulate what patient-centred care means to you and how you would implement it at St Luke’s Hospice. Think about specific strategies you could use to enhance patient experience and engagement, and be prepared to discuss these in detail.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Anticipate scenario-based questions related to incident management and risk assessment. Think through how you would handle various situations, ensuring you demonstrate your problem-solving skills and commitment to maintaining high-quality care.
