Job Description

Inclusion is one of our core values. Our goal is to be a diverse, inclusive organisation where our people thrive and meet our customers’ needs with fairness and empathy. We know having a range of ideas and opinions makes a difference. We encourage and welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds to support this mission. We will make adjustments throughout your application process, in line with Sanctuary’s commitment to our Disability Confident employer status.

Head of Quality Assurance – 15 month maternity cover

Salary £70,571.52 per annum plus Car Allowance

Home based role – requiring some travel across England and Scotland, including occasional overnight stays.

35 hours per week

Leading quality. Strengthening compliance. Improving outcomes.

We're looking for an experienced and inspirational Head of Quality Assurance to lead our quality assurance framework across England and Scotland, as well as the regulatory audit programme for CQC-regulated Sanctuary Supported Living services. Reporting directly to the Director of Quality and Chief Nurse, ensuring we continue to deliver outstanding care and support while meeting regulatory, legislative and organisational standards.

This is a strategic leadership role, working in partnership with operational leaders, directors and quality and clinical teams. You'll drive continuous improvement, provide assurance on quality and compliance, and help shape the future of our services.

As an Investors in People Platinum accredited organisation and one of the UK's leading not-for-profit care providers, we invest every penny we make back into our people and services. Join us and help ensure the highest possible standards for the people we are privileged to support.

As Head of Quality Assurance, you will:

• Lead the delivery of a robust, comprehensive and sustainable quality assurance service across Sanctuary Care, together with the regulatory audit programme for CQC-regulated Sanctuary Supported Living services.
• Lead, manage and develop a team of quality assurance auditors, promoting consistent practice and ensuring the team has the capability and capacity required to deliver the audit programme effectively.
• With the Director of Quality and Chief Nurse develop and implement the organisation's quality assurance strategy, identifying priorities, emerging risks, innovative approaches and best practice.
• Design, develop and oversee internal quality review programmes that provide accurate assessments of service quality, performance and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee the full audit lifecycle, including risk-based scheduling, preparation, audit delivery, review, feedback, reporting, publication, action monitoring and escalation, ensuring compliance with regulatory, statutory and organisational requirements.
• Monitor and interpret changes in legislation, regulatory frameworks and inspection methodology, leading the timely review, redesign, testing and implementation of audit tools.
• Lead the Registered Managers Networks for England and Scotland, sharing regulatory updates, inspection learning, emerging trends and best practice, and supporting managers to understand their regulatory responsibilities.
• Build strong relationships with operational, clinical, quality improvement, compliance and supported living leaders to identify risks, coordinate assurance activity, address service delivery challenges and drive continuous improvement.
• Provide expert advice and guidance on action planning following reviews, inspections and audits to support improved outcomes.
• Maintain clear governance and escalation arrangements for significant quality or regulatory risks, providing timely assurance to senior operational leaders, directors and relevant governance forums.
• Identify emerging trends, risks and opportunities through data analysis and quality monitoring activity.
• Contribute to the development, review and implementation of policies, procedures and governance frameworks.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Extensive experience of working within services regulated by the CQC or Care Inspectorate, together with the ability to work confidently across the differing regulatory requirements in England and Scotland. Demonstrating comprehensive knowledge of current regulatory frameworks.
• Experience of leading, developing and supporting a team, including setting expectations, managing performance, allocating resources and maintaining consistent standards across a varied programme of work.
• Demonstrable experience of translating changes in regulation, legislation or inspection methodology into practical assurance frameworks, audit tools and operational guidance.
• Proven ability to interpret audit findings and inspection outcomes, provide constructive feedback and drive continuous improvement across multiple services.
• Experience supporting services before, during and after regulatory inspections, including action planning and improvement monitoring.
• Strong understanding of governance, compliance, risk management and quality assurance frameworks within the care sector.
• Proven experience of developing quality improvement plans and supporting services to improve performance, compliance and inspection outcomes.
• Ability to provide clear positive professional challenge, collaborate with senior leaders and escalate concerns where required.
• Experience producing high-quality assurance reports and presenting findings and recommendations to senior leaders and directors.
• Confidence in using data, digital tools and emerging technologies to improve quality assurance processes.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise competing demands and work to deadlines.

Why join Sanctuary Care?

When you join Sanctuary Care, you're joining an organisation committed to investing in its people, delivering exceptional care and creating opportunities to develop your career.

Alongside a competitive salary and car allowance, we offer:

• 25 days annual leave, rising with service
• Pension matched up to 7%
• Occupational sick pay
• Life assurance
• Flexible working opportunities
• Ongoing professional development and funded training
• Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support
• Volunteering opportunities
• Exclusive retail discounts and salary sacrifice schemes

Ready to make a difference?

If you're passionate about driving quality, improving outcomes and leading meaningful change across a large and diverse care organisation, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and help us continue to raise standards, improve lives and deliver exceptional care.

We work closely with the Home Office in order to prevent illegal working.

An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check will be necessary in the event of a successful application which we will pay for.

Sanctuary Care Limited is a subsidiary of Sanctuary Housing Association, an exempt charity.