Compliance Audit Lead (Specialist)

Hartford Care; Dudley; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Hartford Care Ltd. is seeking a Compliance Audit Lead to oversee internal audits across our portfolio of care homes.

You will ensure adherence to regulatory standards and internal policies while supporting homes to improve, reporting to the Policy Implementation Manager and liaising with Operations and Directors. You will design audit programs, conduct unannounced visits, review care quality, and lead a team to sustain compliance.

Qualifications

• Proven auditing experience in care homes and quality assurance systems.
• Experience in supervising a team in residential/nursing settings.
• Strong report writing and data analysis skills with clear communication.

Responsibilities

• Design and run audit schedules for care homes, including unannounced visits.
• Audit quality of care, safeguarding, medication management, health and safety.
• Produce evidence-based reports with findings and recommendations for management.
• Ensure action plans are tracked and completed on time.
• Spot gaps, risks and trends, update audit tools and policies as needed.
• Coach Home Managers and staff on compliance best practices.
• Prepare homes for external inspections (CQC, Fire, Food Safety).
• Lead and mentor Compliance Audit team members.

Skills

Auditing experience

Management experience

Report writing

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Level 5 management qualification

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Outlook

Job description

We are is looking for a Compliance Audit Lead to join us and help make sure every resident receives safe, high-quality, truly person-centred care.

About The Role

You’ll lead, coordinate and carry out internal compliance audits across our portfolio of care homes. You’ll check that we meet regulatory standards, internal policies and best practice, and you’ll support our homes to keep improving. Reporting to the Policy Implementation Manager, you’ll work closely with our Operations Team, Senior Managers and Directors.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Designing and running an audit schedule for our homes, including unannounced visits
• Auditing care quality, safeguarding, medication management, health and safety, food safety, documentation and staffing, using the CQC Key Questions (KLOEs) or equivalent frameworks
• Writing clear, evidence-based reports with ratings, findings and recommendations, and presenting them to management and operational teams
• Making sure action plans are agreed, tracked and completed on time
• Spotting gaps, risks and emerging trends, and updating audit tools and policies where needed
• Coaching and supporting Home Managers and staff, including running internal workshops on compliance best practice
• Preparing homes for external inspections (CQC, Fire, Food Safety) and keeping up to date with changes in adult social care legislation
• Leading and mentoring any Compliance Audit team members

Essential

About you

• Proven auditing experience in the care home sector, with a previous Compliance Audit role and experience managing quality assurance systems
• Previous management or supervisory experience in a residential and/or nursing home
• Experience in residential care for older adults, dementia, learning disabilities, physical disabilities, autism and mental health
• In-depth knowledge of health and social care regulations, including the CQC Fundamental Standards and the Care Act
• A relevant management qualification (e.g. RMA/Diploma, minimum Level 5)
• Strong report writing and analytical skills, with confident use of Word, Outlook and Excel
• Excellent organisational, time management and communication skills, with the ability to prioritise a complex workload under pressure
• A strong understanding of person-centred care and what outstanding, personalised care looks like
• The ability to lead, coach, motivate and develop others
• A flexible approach to working hours

Desirable

• Knowledge of the Person-Centred Software (PCS) Care Planning System
• Knowledge of CIW regulations and assessments