Job summary
Help shape the next chapter of general practice
Location: Brighton & Hove
Start date: As soon as possible
An exciting new chapter for WellBN
WellBN is preparing to launch a new organisation in January 2027, alongside an upcoming rebrand and under new management led by Dr Tom Lever. Its an exciting time to join us as we develop a progressive, modern approach to general practice, with compassionate patient care, collaborative working and staff wellbeing at its heart.
Main duties of the job
The Governance & Compliance Lead will provide operational leadership for governance, organisational assurance and regulatory compliance across WellBN. The role will oversee complaints, patient safety, safeguarding administration, premises compliance, governance reporting and quality assurance, ensuring the organisation remains safe, compliant and inspection-ready.
About us
About WellBN
WellBN serves approximately 25,500 patients across our Brunswick, Burwash and Benfield sites in Brighton, Hove and Portslade.
Our team includes a strong pharmacy service, paramedics and practice nurses, with a focus on collaboration and staff wellbeing. We care for a diverse community, including neurodiverse patients and trans, non-binary and intersex patients, with training and support provided.
As we move towards the launch of the new organisation, our ambition is to build a modern, inclusive practice where patients receive excellent care and colleagues feel supported, valued and able to develop.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Governance & Compliance
Lead the governance and compliance programme across all WellBN sites.
Maintain compliance with CQC standards, NHS contractual requirements and statutory regulations.
Maintain governance dashboards, compliance trackers, policies, SOPs and the organisational compliance calendar.
Coordinate CQC inspections and maintain the corporate risk register.
Complaints & Patient Experience
Lead the end to end management of complaints.
Coordinate investigations and responses.
Identify themes and organisational learning.
Produce complaints reports for the Executive Leadership Team.
Learning Events & Patient Safety
Coordinate Significant Events, Learning Events and Patient Safety Incident reviews.
Track actions to completion and share learning.
Support quality improvement initiatives.
Safeguarding Administration
Coordinate safeguarding administration, registers, meetings and training compliance.
Support safeguarding leads and liaison with external agencies.
Premises Compliance
Coordinate statutory compliance including fire, health & safety, legionella, water hygiene, asbestos, electrical safety, medical equipment servicing, security and business continuity.
Maintain compliance records and evidence.
Audit & Quality Assurance
Coordinate the organisational audit programme.
Monitor completion of audits and policy reviews.
Maintain CQC evidence and governance documentation.
Leadership
Promote continuous improvement and organisational assurance.
Provide governance reporting to the Executive Leadership Team.
Role Summary
This role provides leadership for governance, compliance and organisational assurance, ensuring robust systems are in place to support safe, effective and well-led services across WellBN.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Significant experience in governance, compliance or quality management within the NHS or healthcare.
- Experience managing complaints and investigations.
- Experience coordinating Significant Events, Learning Events and Patient Safety processes.
- Experience maintaining governance systems and action plans.
- Experience producing reports for senior leaders.
- Experience developing and reviewing policies and SOPs.
- Experience supporting safeguarding administration.
Desirable
- Primary Care or GP Practice experience.
- Experience supporting CQC inspections.
- Experience of NHS contracts and primary care regulations.
- Experience managing premises compliance.
- Experience supporting organisational transformation.
- Experience of Information Governance.
Leadership and Personal Attributes
Essential
- Demonstrates integrity, professionalism and accountability.
- Promotes a culture of openness, learning and continuous improvement.
- Calm under pressure with excellent attention to detail.
- Positive, approachable and collaborative.
- Committed to patient safety and organisational excellence.
- Supports equality, diversity and inclusion.
Desirable
- Leadership qualification.
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to degree level or equivalent experience.
- Evidence of continuing professional development.
- Training in governance, quality improvement or compliance.
Desirable
- Management qualification (ILM Level 5 or equivalent).
- IOSH or NEBOSH qualification.
- Project Management qualification (PRINCE2/APM).
Knowledge
Essential
- Excellent understanding of CQC standards and NHS governance.
- Knowledge of NHS Complaints Regulations.
- Knowledge of risk management and quality assurance.
- Understanding of safeguarding legislation.
- Understanding of Health & Safety legislation.
- Understanding of data protection and confidentiality.
Desirable
- Knowledge of NHS commissioning arrangements.
- Knowledge of Freedom to Speak Up.
Skills
Essential
- Excellent organisational and planning skills.
- Strong report writing and presentation skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent IT skills including Microsoft Office.
Desirable
- Advanced Excel or data analysis skills.
- Audit facilitation skills.
- Project management skills.
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 details
Employer name
WellBN
Address
18-19 Western Road
Hove
BN3 1AE
United Kingdom
Employer's website
Governance and Compliance Lead in Hove employer: WellBN
WellBN is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a culture of inclusivity and collaboration within the vibrant community of Brighton & Hove. As part of our Senior Leadership Team, you will have the opportunity to lead meaningful change, drive operational excellence, and contribute to a sustainable future for our patients and colleagues. We prioritise employee growth through continuous learning and development, ensuring that our team thrives in a supportive environment where their contributions are valued.
