Head of Patient Safety and Clinical Governance

Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust; Aylesbury; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in the United Kingdom is seeking a strategic leader to oversee patient safety and clinical governance. The ideal candidate will have extensive NHS experience and a strong background in quality improvement and risk management. Responsibilities include developing patient safety strategies and leading cross-departmental initiatives. This is an opportunity to significantly impact healthcare quality and safety in a respected organization.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in patient safety management, clinical governance, and quality improvement.
• Experience in the NHS at a senior management level, minimum 3 years.
• Ability to analyse complex patient safety issues.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior leadership in patient safety, aligning with Trust objectives.
• Lead the development of Patient Safety Strategy and Quality Governance Framework.
• Prepare and present reports to the Patient Safety Board and Executive Management Committee.

Skills

Excellent communication (written & spoken) in English

Strong persuasion, negotiation, tact and diplomacy

Excellent time management and organisational skills

Problem solving of complex situations

Education

Master’s level education in Leadership & Management and/or Patient Safety

Degree related to healthcare management

Clinical qualification and registered with a clinical regulator

Tools

Incident reporting systems (Datix)

Databases

Word processing

Job description

Job Summary

Reporting to the Associate Chief Nurse, you will provide strategic leadership and expert guidance in developing, implementing, and overseeing patient safety and clinical governance across our Trust. You will ensure robust systems are in place to foster a culture of safety, continuous learning, improvement while maintaining compliance with national frameworks including PSIRF, Duty of Candour, and NHS Resolution standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership and Strategic Oversight
  • Provide senior leadership in patient safety, aligning with Trust objectives and national safety strategies.
  • Lead the development and implementation of the Trust’s Patient Safety Strategy and Quality Governance Framework.
  • Serve as a key advisor to the Deputy Chief Nurse and Executive Team on patient safety and clinical governance matters.
  • Represent the Trust in regional and national forums, including NHS England’s Patient Safety Specialist networks.
• Patient Safety Systems & Culture
  • Oversee implementation of PSIRF, including the PSIRP.
  • Champion a Just Culture and embed CARE values across all departments.
  • Ensure timely dissemination and compliance with National Patient Safety Alerts and CAS notifications.
  • Lead thematic reviews of incidents to identify trends and drive continuous improvement.
• Governance & Assurance
  • Prepare and present reports to the Patient Safety Board, Executive Management Committee, and Trust sub-committees.
  • Contribute to the Integrated Performance Report, Quality Accounts, and annual governance reports.
  • Ensure compliance with regulatory standards, including CQC Regulation 20 (Duty of Candour).
• Training & Development
  • Design and deliver training on patient safety, incident investigation, risk management, and quality improvement.
  • Ensure staff are trained in the National Patient Safety Syllabus and maintain up-to-date resources on the Trust intranet.
  • Support induction and ongoing education for clinical and non‑clinical staff.
• Operational Management
  • Line‑manage the Patient Safety & Clinical Governance Team.
  • Manage delegated budgets and ensure optimal resource utilisation.
  • Ensure compliance with staff appraisals, personal development plans, and mandatory training.
  • Investigate and resolve grievances and disciplinary matters in line with Trust policy.
• Incident Reporting, Inquests & Claims Management
  • Ensure robust incident reporting, claims, and inquest management in line with legislation and Trust policy.
  • Monitor incidents, claims, and inquests to identify urgent issues and escalating appropriately.
  • Provide thematic analysis and reports to support divisional and Trust-wide learning.
  • Lead development and review of investigation processes aligned with national best practices.
  • Promote quality improvement methodologies (e.g., PDSA). Support implementation of Being Open and Duty of Candour processes.
  • Provide compassionate support to staff and patients involved in distressing incidents.
  • Oversee incident reporting system (e.g., Datix), ensuring it meets organisational needs.
  • Submit data to national systems (NRLS, StEIS) and monitor trends for learning.
  • Collaborate with NHS Resolution to stay informed on national learning themes.
• Central Alert System Management
  • Maintain and update policies in line with national safety alert requirements.
  • Coordinate organisational responses to alerts and ensure timely assurance and compliance.
  • Provide compliance checklists for Executive approval.
• Quality Standards
  • Support Deputy Chief Nurse in coordinating the quality section of the Integrated Performance Report.
  • Contribute to Quality Accounts and annual governance reports.
  • Prepare and forward‑plan the Chief Nurse Safety Brief with the Communications Team.
  • Provide expert analysis and reporting on patient safety and litigation matters.
  • Uphold high standards of governance and provide education where needed.
• Policy & Strategy Development
  • Develop, implement, and review policies related to patient safety, incident management, litigation, and inquests.
  • Ensure alignment with national guidance and legislation, supporting the Domestic Homicide Review Panel with Safeguarding Team.
• Management Responsibilities
  • Manage pay and non‑pay budgets as delegated by Deputy Chief Nurse.
  • Ensure compliance with Trust’s Standing Financial Instructions and optimal resource use.
  • Lead and support Patient Safety and Litigation Teams, ensuring appraisals and training compliance.
  • Undertake investigations for People Directorate as required and manage sensitive information.
  • Represent department at strategic Trust groups and committees, providing expert guidance to Deputy Chief Nurse.
• Freedom to Act & Professional Development
  • Operate independently within delegated authority from Deputy Chief Nurse.
  • Exercise discretion in escalating significant or sensitive issues.
  • Recognise personal limitations and seek support when necessary.
  • Engage in ongoing professional development and reflect on theory and practice.

Additional Information

• Confidentiality: Adhere to the Data Protection Act 2018 and Trust policies.
• Health & Safety: Comply with statutory and departmental safety regulations.
• Equality & Diversity: Promote a non‑judgmental, inclusive service.
• Safeguarding: Complete mandatory training and adhere to safeguarding policies.
• Information Governance: Maintain accurate, secure, and accessible records.
• Travel: May be required to travel across Trust sites.

Person Specification

Education, Qualifications & Training

• Clinical qualification and registered with a clinical regulator (HCPC, NMC, GMC).
• Master’s level education, preferably in Leadership & Management and/or Patient Safety.
• Degree related to healthcare management.
• Evidence of continued professional development.

Desirable

• Diploma in Clinical Risk Management or related experience.
• Experience managing projects.

Experience

• Extensive experience in patient safety management, clinical governance, and quality improvement.
• Experience in the NHS at a senior management level, minimum 3 years.
• Ability to analyse complex patient safety issues.
• In‑depth knowledge of acute and community healthcare and NHS strategies.
• Experience teaching senior staff and developing training programmes.
• Experience in effective budget management and change management.

Skills, Abilities & Knowledge

• Excellent communication (written & spoken) in English.
• Strong persuasion, negotiation, tact and diplomacy.
• Capable of producing analytical reports and business cases.
• Computer literacy: databases, word processing, incident reporting systems (Datix).
• Excellent time management and organisational skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Initiative and judgement for decision making.
• Problem solving of complex situations.
• Critical evaluation of guidelines, protocols and research.
• Knowledge of health and safety and risk management.

Supporting Information

• Disclosure and Barring Service Check: disclosure to be made to DBS.
• Certificate of Sponsorship: applications requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship will be considered.
• UK Registration: applicants must have current UK professional registration.

Employer Details

Address: Mandeville Rd, Aylesbury HP21 8AL.

Employer: Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust.

Website: Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust (visit website).