Chief Quality Officer

East London NHS Foundation Trust; Greater London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization in the UK seeks an experienced Chief Quality Officer to lead quality improvement initiatives. The CQO will drive strategies to reduce health inequalities and oversee performance within the NHS framework. Candidates must have senior clinical or operational experience within an NHS Trust, ideally with a relevant degree and expertise in quality techniques. This position offers relocation support and encourages diverse applications. Closing date for applications is 31 January 2026.

Benefits

Flexible working

Relocation support

Qualifications

• 5+ years of senior management experience in a clinical or operational setting within the NHS.
• Demonstrated success in quality improvement initiatives and large-scale programmes.
• Ability to work collaboratively with executive teams and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Drive continuous quality improvement and reduce health inequalities.
• Oversee QMS that reduces unwarranted variation in services.
• Co-lead strategy and planning for quality across the Trust.

Skills

Senior clinical or operational experience within NHS Trust

Expertise in quality improvement techniques

Strong knowledge of NHS performance frameworks

Budget management skills

Experience of teaching and coaching

Education

Degree level education

Masters or further qualifications

Job description

ELFT – Chief Quality Officer

East London NHS Foundation Trust is looking for an Executive leader to join us as our new Chief Quality Officer (CQO). The CQO will drive continuous quality improvement, co‑production and reduction of health inequalities across a diverse organisation.

Main Responsibilities

• Co‑lead strategy and planning for quality improvement across the Trust.
• Oversee quality, safety and performance, embedding a Quality Management System (QMS) that reduces unwarranted variation.
• Lead data, analytics and intelligence to design and deliver care and improve outcomes.
• Build on strong foundations to take quality and improvement to the next level across services, places and systems.
• Work collaboratively with executive teams, boards and partners to embed improvement culture.

Person Specification – Essential Criteria

• Senior clinical or operational experience within NHS Trust or similar setting.
• Degree level education; Masters or further qualifications is desirable.
• Expertise in quality improvement techniques, systematic approach and experience of large‑scale programmes.
• Experience of teaching, learning programmes, coaching and executive team engagement.
• Strong knowledge of NHS performance frameworks and improvement methods.
• Senior management experience and budget management skills.

Desirable Criteria

• Research affiliation or published work of national/international significance.
• Improvement advisor certified through Institute for Healthcare Improvement.
• Experience in peer‑review process and applying improvement methods to performance topics.
• Flexible working and relocation support available.

Application Details

Applications close 31 January 2026. For further information, email [e-mail]. We invite applicants from diverse communities and encourage inclusive applications.