Mountain Healthcare is the UK's leading provider of specialist healthcare services for survivors of sexual assault and domestic abuse. We deliver expert, trauma informed care across the country and are trusted by police forces, NHS partners, and local authorities to provide safe, responsive, and compassionate services.

We are looking for a Head of Quality and Governance to lead our national strategy on patient safety, regulatory compliance, and clinical excellence. In this senior leadership role, you will drive continuous improvement, oversee CQC readiness, and ensure alignment with key accreditation frameworks including ISO standards.

If you are an experienced healthcare leader with a strong track record in quality, governance, and service improvement, this is your chance to make a real impact at scale in an organisation with purpose.

Why Join Us?

This opportunity represents a chance to play a pivotal role in shaping safe, high quality care across the UK. You will join a mission driven organisation where your expertise and leadership will directly improve outcomes for some of the most vulnerable people in society.

About the RoleAs Head of Quality and Governance, you will lead our national strategy for quality assurance, clinical governance, patient safety and regulatory compliance. This is a high-impact role, shaping how we monitor, improve and maintain standards across all Mountain Healthcare services.

You will oversee regulatory inspections, support accreditation processes, and embed a culture of continuous learning. You'll manage a skilled team, work closely with senior leaders and stakeholders, and play a vital role in ensuring our services meet the highest standards of care.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

Develop and deliver the organisational strategy for quality, patient safety, and governance
Provide expert advice and leadership to the senior team on clinical risk, compliance, and assurance
Use data, audit findings, and regulatory feedback to drive improvement and inform decision making

Governance and Compliance

Lead preparations for and responses to CQC inspections and other regulatory assessments
Ensure organisational readiness for UKAS accreditation and ISO standards
Coordinate internal and external audits, acting on findings to implement improvements
Maintain and develop quality policies, systems, and processes in line with best practice

Patient Safety and Quality Assurance

Oversee incident reporting and investigation, ensuring timely closure and learning
Analyse trends in patient safety incidents and use this insight to inform service development
Support the implementation of the National Patient Safety Strategy across the organisation
Maintain oversight of risk registers and contribute to board-level assurance reporting

Information Governance and Data Protection

Act as the organisation's Senior Information Risk Owner (SIRO)
Ensure compliance with GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018
Lead on managing data breaches, subject access requests, and oversight of the external DPO
Oversee staff training and policy compliance in information governanceHealth and Safety Oversight

Manage health and safety procedures and reporting, ensuring compliance with HSE requirements
Lead organisational responses to safety-related notifications and ensure best practice is followed

Team Leadership and Development

Manage and develop the Quality and Governance Team, promoting accountability, performance and professional development
Foster a culture of continuous improvement, learning and high standards
Support delivery of quality training and education across the wider workforce

Systems and Process Innovation

Provide expert support in the use of governance platforms such as RADAR
Continuously improve reporting systems, audit frameworks and assurance mechanisms

Requirements

Requirements

We are looking for a senior leader with a strong background in healthcare governance, quality improvement, and regulatory compliance. You'll bring credibility, clarity and drive to this high impact role.

Essential Criteria
Significant leadership experience in healthcare quality, patient safety, or governance at a senior level
In depth knowledge of CQC regulations, inspection processes and compliance frameworks
Experience with accreditation standards, including ISO and UKAS, and managing associated audits and assessments
Strong understanding of risk management, clinical governance and incident investigation
Experience leading and embedding organisational learning from incidents and audits
Proven ability to analyse safety and quality data to inform strategic decisions
Working knowledge of information governance, GDPR, and data protection requirements
Experience acting as or supporting a Senior Information Risk Owner (SIRO)
Exceptional communication skills, with experience engaging stakeholders at board level
Track record of successfully leading, developing and motivating teams
Full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel nationally

Desirable Criteria
Registered healthcare professional (e.g. Nurse, Midwife, Paramedic) with valid NMC/HCPC registration
Degree or equivalent qualification in healthcare, quality, or a related field
Postgraduate qualification in healthcare management, quality improvement or leadership
Experience with quality or governance platforms such as RADAR
Familiarity with the National Patient Safety Strategy