Quality, Safety and Governance Matron

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust; Yeovil; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare provider in the UK is looking for a Senior Midwifery Leader to manage and enhance the maternity unit's operations. Responsibilities include leading clinical governance, driving service improvements, and ensuring high-quality patient care. The ideal candidate should possess a Master's degree or equivalent experience, alongside a strong track record in clinical leadership and quality management. This role offers flexible working options and the chance to be part of a supportive team dedicated to providing outstanding care.

Benefits

Flexible working options

NHS pension scheme

Generous annual leave allowance

Career development opportunities

Blue Light Card discounts

Qualifications

• Professional Registration is required.
• Experience in the acute health sector with a multidisciplinary workforce.
• Evidence of leadership and change management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the operational and clinical management of the maternity unit.
• Champion a culture of safety and continuous improvement.
• Oversee staffing, budgets, and resource allocation.

Skills

Leadership

Clinical governance

Quality improvement

Communication

Education

Master's Degree or equivalent experience

Post-graduate management qualification

Job description

Main duties of the job

• Lead the operational and clinical management of the maternity unit.
• Provide visible, inclusive leadership and uphold professional midwifery standards.
• Drive service improvement and transformation aligned with national maternity priorities.
• Ensure high standards of cleanliness, infection control, and clinical care.
• Promote dignity, respect, and personalised care for all women and families.
• Embed robust governance and quality improvement processes.
• Lead workforce planning, staff development, and performance management.
• Monitor KPIs and use data to inform strategic decisions.
• Represent the service at local, regional, and national forums.
• Participate in the midwifery management on-call rota.

About us

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long‑term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS‑specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away – and only two hours to London.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all – the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Job responsibilities

Leadership & Governance

• Act as the most senior midwifery leader within the maternity unit.
• Ensure accountability for midwifery practice and uphold Trust values.
• Lead the implementation of maternity safety tools and national reporting (e.g. MBRRACE, MNSI).
• Coordinate quality improvement and learning programmes across maternity and neonatal services.
• Support the Heads of Midwifery in monitoring the Maternity & Neonatal Risk Register.

Quality & Safety

• Champion a culture of safety, learning, and continuous improvement.
• Lead investigations into complaints and incidents, ensuring shared learning and sustained change.
• Promote evidence‑based practice and innovation in care delivery.
• Ensure compliance with the Maternity Incentive Scheme and national standards.

Operational Management

• Oversee staffing, budgets, and resource allocation to ensure safe service delivery.
• Maintain high levels of staff engagement, training compliance, and appraisal completion.
• Support digital transformation and efficient care processes.

Patient Experience

• Be highly visible and accessible to women and families.
• Advocate for personalised, respectful, and compassionate care.
• Use feedback from FFT, complaints, and Maternity Voices Partnership to inform improvements.

Collaboration & Communication

• Build strong relationships with multidisciplinary teams, commissioners, and external partners.
• Represent the service in strategic meetings and forums.
• Facilitate effective communication across organisational boundaries.

Education & Development

• Lead staff development through coaching, mentorship, and structured training.
• Promote research, audit, and continuous professional development.
• Support in‑house education programmes and reflective learning.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Professional Registration
• Master's Degree or working towards or equivalent exponential experience at senior level
• Evidence of Leadership course/management training. Post‑graduate management qualification and/or equivalent level of knowledge gained through extensive experience.

Experience

• Acute Health sector experience including multi‑disciplinary professional workforce.

Additional Criteria

• Track record of delivering clinical quality improvements and successful service change. Experience of audit and continuous quality improvement. Change management skills.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.