At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead clinical governance, patient safety, and quality improvement initiatives.
- Company: The Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth, rated number one for care in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive work culture, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a compassionate team dedicated to community and quality care.
- Why this job: Drive impactful change in healthcare while supporting a hospice with all profits.
- Qualifications: Degree-level education and strong background in patient safety and governance.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
- Head of Governance
- The closing date is 13 July 2026
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, promoting a strong culture of learning.
Main duties of the job
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 inpatient unit.
About us
Located in leafy St Johns 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 Johns.
- Job responsibilities
- 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.
Person Specification
Experience
- 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.
- Previous experience working in the Independent Sector.
- Committed to our values: Compassion, Commitment, Charity, Community.
- Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
- Employer name
- The Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Governance in City of Westminster employer: The Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth
The Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to a leading independent hospital in London while directly supporting St John's Hospice through its profits. With a strong focus on employee growth and a collaborative work culture, the role of Business Development Manager allows you to thrive in a dynamic environment, driving meaningful change and building impactful relationships within the healthcare sector. Join us to be part of a team that values your contributions and fosters professional development in a rewarding setting.
Contact Details:
The Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Governance in City of Westminster
✨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 The Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth.
✨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 The Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth.
✨Apply Through Our Website for Better Visibility
When you find roles that excite you, especially at places like The Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth, 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 in City of Westminster
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 The Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth.
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 The Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to The Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth. 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 The Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth. 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 The Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth
✨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 The Hospital of St John and St Elizabeth’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!
