Head of Clinical Quality

NHS Scotland; Carstairs; On-site; CAD 79,000 - 102,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

High Secure Environmental Allowance

Job summary

NHS Scotland seeks an experienced Head of Clinical Quality to lead and shape the organisation's clinical quality, governance and assurance efforts across The State Hospitals Board for Scotland.

The role reports to the Medical Director and partners with clinical leaders to ensure patient safety, quality of care and service improvement remain central to the Hospital’s work, while guiding national priority alignment with Healthcare Improvement Scotland.

Qualifications

• You will be an experienced clinical quality, governance or quality improvement leader with strategic and operational skills.
• Degree or equivalent experience, quality improvement training at Scottish Improvement Leader level or above, and a post-graduate qualification in quality improvement, clinical audit, evaluation, coaching and/or clinical governance.
• Experience leading quality improvement programmes, managing staff, developing audit and benchmarking programmes, and working with NHS or national quality bodies.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation, management and evaluation of the Clinical Quality Strategy, Framework and associated programme of work.
• Provide strategic leadership and specialist advice on clinical governance, quality assurance, quality improvement and patient safety across the organisation.
• Ensure that clinical quality systems, processes and performance management arrangements are embedded and support demonstrable improvements in patient care.
• Act as the Board’s designated NHS Healthcare Improvement Scotland Liaison Coordinator and contribute to relevant national groups and networks.
• Lead, support and develop the Clinical Quality Department, including line management, workload planning, performance review and staff development.
• Oversee clinical quality, audit and improvement projects, ensuring robust planning, analysis, reporting, action planning and dissemination of learning.
• Prepare and present high-quality reports, papers and performance information for senior management, governance committees and, where appropriate, the Board.
• Support staff across the Hospital to understand and engage with clinical governance, clinical audit and quality improvement activity.

Job description

AfC Band 8b (pro rata) plus a High Secure Environmental Allowance of £1,750.47 per annum (pro rata)

Hours 36

Contract Duration Permanent

About The Role

The State Hospitals Board for Scotland is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Head of Clinical Quality to lead and support the development, implementation and continuous improvement of clinical quality, clinical governance and quality assurance arrangements across the organisation. This is a senior leadership role within the Medical Division, working closely with the Medical Director, senior managers, clinical leaders and wider teams to ensure that patient safety, quality of care and service improvement remain central to the Hospital’s work.

The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering the Board’s Quality Vision through quality planning, quality improvement and quality assurance. They will lead the Clinical Quality Department, provide expert advice and guidance across the organisation, and ensure effective systems are in place to meet national and local priorities, including those of Healthcare Improvement Scotland and other relevant agencies.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation, management and evaluation of the Clinical Quality Strategy, Framework and associated programme of work.
• Provide strategic leadership and specialist advice on clinical governance, quality assurance, quality improvement and patient safety across the organisation.
• Ensure that clinical quality systems, processes and performance management arrangements are embedded and support demonstrable improvements in patient care.
• Act as the Board’s designated NHS Healthcare Improvement Scotland Liaison Coordinator and contribute to relevant national groups and networks.
• Lead, support and develop the Clinical Quality Department, including line management, workload planning, performance review and staff development.
• Oversee clinical quality, audit and improvement projects, ensuring robust planning, analysis, reporting, action planning and dissemination of learning.
• Prepare and present high-quality reports, papers and performance information for senior management, governance committees and, where appropriate, the Board.
• Support staff across the Hospital to understand and engage with clinical governance, clinical audit and quality improvement activity.

About You

You will be an experienced clinical quality, governance or quality improvement leader with the ability to work strategically and operationally across a complex healthcare environment. You will bring strong leadership, communication, analytical and influencing skills, together with the ability to manage competing priorities and support change across multidisciplinary teams.

Candidates should have a relevant degree or equivalent experience of working at this level, quality improvement training at Scottish Improvement Leader level or above, and a post-graduate qualification in quality improvement, clinical audit, evaluation, coaching and/or clinical governance. Experience of leading quality improvement programmes, managing staff, developing audit and benchmarking programmes, and working with NHS or national quality bodies is essential.

Working Environment

The State Hospital is a high secure mental health environment caring for individuals detained under mental health and related legislation. The post holder will be required to comply with all security procedures, undertake relevant mandatory training and maintain strict confidentiality in accordance with organisational policy, Caldicott Principles and data protection requirements.

What We Offer

This is an opportunity to take on a highly influential leadership role within a unique national service, contributing directly to the development of clinical quality, patient safety and service improvement across The State Hospitals Board for Scotland. The role offers the opportunity to work collaboratively with senior leaders, clinical teams and national partners to shape and deliver meaningful improvements in care.

Equality and Diversity

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society. It should be noted that the State Hospital is a high secure hospital and the current organisational position based on a risk assessment is that we welcome applications from people under the age of 18 for non clinical roles however to be eligible for a clinical role applicants should be 18 years and older.

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is Sunday 18 October 2026.

Right to Work

To work in the UK, you must have valid permission granted by UK Visas and Immigration. NHS Scotland Boards check this as part of pre-employment checks, which can be evidenced through visas or settled/pre-settled status. For details, visit the GOV.UK website.

Some posts may allow sponsorship under the Skilled Worker or Health & Care Worker visa, but only if the employer is a licensed sponsor and the role meets salary thresholds. Please note: The State Hospital is NOT licensed to issue certificates of sponsorship. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship. It is essential that you confirm your right to work before applying.

Artificial Intelligence

Candidates should provide responses that are accurate, authentic, and reflective of their own knowledge, skills, and experience. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist in drafting responses is permitted, provided that all information is factual, verifiable, and can be supported by evidence if requested. By submitting your application, you confirm that your answers are truthful and represent your personal experience. Any misleading or fabricated content may result in your application being withdrawn from the recruitment process.