Chief Clinical and Quality Officer

HCML; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job description

Purpose of Role:

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Chief Clinical and Quality Officer (CCQO) to lead and oversee HCML's clinical and quality operations. The CCQO will play a critical role in ensuring the highest standards of patient care, clinical excellence, and regulatory compliance across all clinical departments.

As a member of the executive leadership team, the CCQO will drive clinical strategy, promote a culture of continuous improvement, and lead initiatives to enhance patient pathways outcomes and safety. This individual will have a deep understanding of clinical practices, healthcare regulations, and quality assurance methodologies, and will work closely with other senior leaders to ensure that clinical and quality goals align with organizational objectives. Health and safety and risk management also form part of the CCQO's accountabilities.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership & Clinical Vision:
   1. Lead the development and implementation of the clinical and quality strategy, ensuring alignment with the organization's goals and mission.
   2. Establish a vision for clinical care that focuses on continuous improvement, patient safety, and high-quality service delivery.
   3. Collaborate with senior leadership to define and achieve clinical and quality goals that enhance patient satisfaction, health outcomes, and operational efficiency.
2. Clinical Governance & Quality Assurance:
   1. Oversee the clinical governance framework, ensuring effective risk management, clinical audits, and the monitoring of patient safety standards.
   2. Ensure compliance with healthcare regulations, accreditation standards, and industry best practices.
   3. Lead the development and implementation of clinical protocols, guidelines, and policies to maintain quality standards across the organization.
   4. Monitor clinical performance metrics, patient satisfaction scores, and other quality indicators, providing recommendations for improvements as needed.
3. Patient Safety & Risk Management:
   1. Develop and implement patient pathways and safety initiatives, ensuring that clinical practices are aligned with the highest standards of safety and risk mitigation. They must also drive access for HCML's patients.
   2. Lead investigations into incidents, complaints, and adverse events, ensuring timely resolution and identification of root causes.
   3. Foster a culture of openness and transparency, encouraging staff to report safety concerns and potential hazards.
4. Regulatory Compliance & Accreditation:
   1. Ensure that the organization meets all relevant regulatory requirements, including those set by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and other national healthcare bodies.
   2. Lead preparations for inspections, audits, and accreditation processes to ensure compliance with healthcare regulations and standards.
   3. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of changes in healthcare policies, legislation, and best practices, ensuring the organization remains compliant.
5. Leadership & Team Development:
   1. Provide leadership and support to clinical teams across all departments, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence.
   2. Work closely with medical staff, nursing teams, and other healthcare professionals to ensure that best practices in clinical care and quality management are consistently followed.
   3. Mentor and develop senior clinical leaders and staff, ensuring that they have the necessary resources and training to perform their roles effectively.
6. Stakeholder Engagement & Communication:
   1. Communicate effectively with patients, families, and staff to ensure high standards of care and promote patient-centred practices.
   2. Provide regular reports to the CEO and Board of Directors on clinical performance, risk, H&S, quality outcomes, and compliance status.
   3. Act as a key spokesperson on clinical matters with regulatory authorities, healthcare partners, and the wider community.
7. Continuous Improvement & Innovation:
   1. Champion a culture of continuous quality improvement (CQI), leading initiatives that enhance the overall effectiveness and efficiency of clinical services.
   2. Implement and oversee clinical audits and performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and driving change where needed.
   3. Leverage technology and evidence-based practices to innovate clinical care and enhance patient experiences.

Person Specification

Essential

Desirable

Experience

Significant experience (10+ years) in senior clinical leadership roles, ideally within the UK healthcare system.
Demonstrated expertise in clinical governance, quality assurance, risk management, and patient safety.
Proven track record of improving clinical outcomes, driving quality initiatives, and achieving compliance with healthcare regulations.
Experience working with multidisciplinary teams and in a leadership capacity within a healthcare setting.

Skills & Knowledge

Strong understanding of clinical practices, healthcare regulations (CQC, NHS frameworks, etc.), and quality management standards.
Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage clinical staff and stakeholders at all levels.
Deep knowledge of risk management, patient safety frameworks, and clinical audit methodologies.
Ability to analyse and interpret clinical data to make evidence-based decisions.

Attributes

A passion for improving patient care and clinical outcomes.
Exceptional organizational and problem-solving skills.
Strong interpersonal and influencing skills, with a collaborative approach to working with multidisciplinary teams.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic healthcare environment.

Qualifications and Training

A relevant clinical qualification (e.g., Nursing, Medicine, or Allied Health Professions).
Registration with a relevant professional body (e.g., GMC, NMC) is essential.
Postgraduate qualifications in healthcare management, quality improvement, or clinical leadership (e.g., MSc, MBA, or equivalent) are desirable.