Senior Quality Assurance Lead

linkup; Remote; GBP 51,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading children's service provider is seeking a Senior Quality Assurance Lead to oversee quality and performance across residential settings. This role requires strong strategic leadership and compliance management experience within the UK children's services sector. The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication and organizational skills, along with a Level 5 professional qualification. The position offers a competitive salary and various employee benefits, including generous annual leave and a pension scheme.

Benefits

30 days annual leave, increasing to 35

Company Pension Scheme

Life Insurance

Employee Discount Scheme

Free Parking

£500 Refer-a-Friend scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in strategic and operational leadership within UK children's services.
• Knowledge of Ofsted inspection frameworks and compliance standards.
• Ability to monitor and report on the performance of services.

Responsibilities

• Oversee quality and performance across residential settings.
• Lead and manage the Quality Assurance team.
• Shape the quality and performance agenda in the residential division.

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Education

Level 5 professional qualification in relevant field

Level 6 professional qualification in relevant field (desirable)

Job description

Senior Quality Assurance Lead

Salary: Up to £60,000 per annum
Specific Hours: 35 hours per week
Location: National (Home Based)

About Polaris: At Polaris, we are proud to be one of the UK's largest leading communities of children's service providers. For over 30 years, our group has included independent fostering and adoption agencies, leaving care services, therapeutic residential homes, specialist education, and bespoke children's service contracts – all united by one purpose: to improve the lives of children and young people. Our Residential Division offers therapeutic homes and schools set within both urban and rural communities, supporting young people's emotional, social, mental, and academic growth. We believe every child deserves to thrive, and we strive to create environments where they can truly reach their full potential.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide robust oversight of the quality and performance across all residential settings through regular monitoring of notifications, significant events, inspection outcomes, independent visitor reports, and structured internal evaluations.
• Lead and manage a Quality Assurance Lead and oversee external Independent Visitors, ensuring contractual and regulatory obligations are met.
• Act as a strategic influencer in shaping the quality and performance agenda across the residential division, contributing to operational senior leadership meetings and forums.
• Partner with Managing Directors and service leaders to implement and support service improvement plans where quality or safety concerns are identified.
• Monitor and report on the performance of services and any settings of concern to the Director of Quality and Learning.
• Contribute to and undertake annual service reviews across the wider community, including supporting education and fostering services as needed.
• Participate in innovation and transformation programmes to drive continuous improvement across residential services.
• Liaise with regulatory and sector bodies to ensure compliance with all legal and statutory obligations while promoting best practice standards.
• Foster a culture of autonomy, innovation, and quality through positive engagement and mentoring across the residential community.

Essential Requirements

• Level 5 professional qualification in a relevant field (e.g., Social Work, Education, Healthcare, Public Sector).
• Deep understanding of Ofsted inspection frameworks and compliance standards.
• Proven experience in strategic and operational leadership within UK children's services.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with strong influencing ability.
• Experience of engaging with senior stakeholders and external bodies.
• Exceptional organisational skills and a strong attention to detail.
• In‑depth knowledge of safeguarding legislation, policy, and best practice.
• Solid understanding of the wider social care legislative and policy environment.
• Strong analytical skills with experience in report writing and data interpretation.
• Experience of project management and leading service improvements.

Desirable

• Level 6 professional qualification in a relevant field (e.g., Social Work, Education, Healthcare, Public Sector).

What We Offer

• 30 days annual leave, increasing to 35 with length of service (plus Bank Holidays)
• Company Pension Scheme
• Life Insurance x2 salary
• Employee Discount Scheme
• Free Parking
• £500 Refer‑a‑Friend scheme

Polaris is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All applicants will be subject to enhanced DBS checks and thorough referencing prior to appointment.