Head of Divisional Governance

NHS; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 64,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS Trust in the UK is seeking a Quality Governance Specialist to provide expert governance support and ensure compliance with NHS standards. You will work collaboratively to develop effective governance models and manage a caseload of complex incidents and complaints. The ideal candidate holds a UK Masters degree ideally in a related field and has experience in clinical governance. This role offers a competitive salary and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

At least 27 days of annual leave

Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme

Blue Light card eligibility

Qualifications

• Essential: UK Masters degree educated, ideally in patient safety or clinical governance.
• Desirable: Registered HCP, management qualification or relevant short courses.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert quality governance support to divisions.
• Develop effective internal divisional governance models.
• Support the division to meet all relevant KPI targets.

Skills

Expert user of Microsoft Office software

Experience implementing oversight processes

Education

UK Masters degree in a relevant field

Tools

InPhase Quality Management system

Job description

Job Summary

Reporting directly into the corporate quality governance team, this post will provide expert quality governance support for a respective division or divisions. Responsibilities include maintaining a close working relationship with the divisional DDNQ, flagging emerging patient safety/experience matters, writing and designing high‑quality governance reports, and representing the division at key quality governance meetings.

The postholder will also develop effective internal divisional governance models that meet Trust standards and national best practice, ensuring operational clinical governance processes are in place to support high‑quality learning. This includes smooth resolution of complaints and incident investigations, triangulating key information, supporting and updating the relevant DDNQ, and embedding effective risk‑management processes through a commitment to continuous quality improvement.

The postholder will work closely with central quality governance teams and, through training, become an expert in all aspects of quality governance, assisting the division to meet all relevant KPI targets and regulatory compliance for key areas of quality governance.

Main Duties of the Job

• Ensure Directorate / Specialty governance standardised meeting structures are in place in alignment with Divisional and Corporate Governance structures.
• Use IT skills – e.g. quality governance digital systems and databases – to analyse highly complex data and produce reports.
• Design and present governance presentations to a variety of forums at Trust, Divisional and Directorate level.
• Implement processes to share key lessons and learning from adverse events.
• Attend and represent the Division at appropriate corporate forums as required.
• Become an expert, accredited user of the Trust’s digital quality management system.
• Support local leaders to undertake risk assessments and implement risk‑reducing measures.
• Establish systems to ensure staff in the Division are up to date with Trust policies, procedures and guidelines.
• Act as a case manager for a small caseload of complex complaints requiring investigation of the complainants’ concerns.
• Lead on a small caseload of particularly complex learning responses, including patient safety incident investigations (PSII's) and formally commissioned After Action Reviews (AARs) using appropriate PSIRF methodology.
• Meet with patients and families (alongside relevant clinical leads) to provide sensitive feedback from investigations.

About Us

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust is ranked among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and was named the second‑best Trust to work for in the South East in the 2023 and 2024 NHS Staff Survey. We are a large acute hospital trust in south‑east England, providing general hospital services and specialist care to around 600,000 residents in West Kent and East Sussex. With a dedicated and diverse team of over 8,000 staff, we offer specialised cancer services to over two million people through the Kent Oncology Centre.

Fordcombe Hospital, near Tunbridge Wells, became part of the Trust in October 2024. Specialising in planned care, it offers two operating theatres, 28 inpatient and day‑care beds, diagnostic services (X‑ray, MRI, CT, and endoscopy), and consultation/treatment rooms.

Looking for flexible working? We are a flexible working‑friendly organisation. Whether it's adjusting your hours or exploring other flexible arrangements, we want to work with you to find the best solution for you, our patients, and the Trust.

Benefits

• At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays (pro‑rata for part‑time staff).
• Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with a 20.6% employer contribution and life assurance benefits.
• Blue Light card eligibility.
• And more – additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below.

Job Details

• Posted on: 22 October 2025
• Pay scheme: Agenda for change
• Band: 8b
• Salary: £64,455 to £74,896 a year (pro‑rata for part‑time)
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full‑time
• Reference number: HOLD‑7502589‑T3
• Location: The Oast, Unit D, Hermitage Court, Hermitage Lane, Maidstone, ME16 9QQ

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Essential – UK Masters degree educated, ideally in a subject related to patient safety, risk management and/or clinical governance.
• Desirable – Registered HCP with current registration, management/leadership qualification or additional short courses, Capsticks diploma in risk management (or equivalent).

Experience

• Essential – Acute sector experience working in a role within a clinical governance specialty; in‑depth knowledge and experience of NHS complaints standards.
• Desirable – InPhase Quality Management system super‑user (Report Builder and Chart Design skills).

Skills

• Expert user of Microsoft Office software.
• Experience of implementing effective oversight processes related to quality NHS‑themed NHS data.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service is required to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website. From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, must present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement.

Employer Details

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust
The Oast, Unit D, Hermitage Court
Hermitage Lane
Maidstone
ME16 9QQ

Website: https://www.mtw.nhs.uk/