Head of Clinical Services – 75-80k depending on experience

We are seeking an experienced Head of Clinical Services to drive clinical excellence, governance and quality assurance across our Abbot Nursing Home in Harlow, Essex. Reporting to the Home Manager, this fully supernumerary role will focus on auditing, regulatory compliance, quality improvement and developing the three Service Managers responsible for individual floors, to deliver safe, person-centred care and improved outcomes for residents.

Location: Harlow, Essex
Hours: 8am – 5pm, Monday – Friday
Salary: 75-80k depending on experience

About the Head of Clinical Services role:

• Lead clinical governance, auditing and quality assurance across the home.
• Hold Service Managers accountable for their allocated floors, including care delivery, resident experience, mealtimes, personal choice and environmental standards.
• Oversee audits covering medication, wound care, falls, infection control, nutrition, hydration, care plans and documentation.
• Analyse trends, risks and incidents, implementing measurable improvement plans and embedding lessons learned.
• Ensure compliance with CQC standards, statutory requirements and company policies.
• Lead, supervise, mentor and performance-manage Service Managers, strengthening clinical leadership and accountability.
• Promote person-centred dementia and nursing care, meaningful engagement, emotional support and positive resident outcomes.
• Lead safeguarding and clinical investigations, with timely reporting and effective corrective action.
• Monitor quality, workforce, operational and resident-experience KPIs and provide clear performance reports.
• Support the effective implementation of care systems, including Radar, eMAR and Nourish Care.
• Work collaboratively with residents, families and internal and external stakeholders to improve safety and quality.

About you:

• Registered Nurse (RGN/RMN) with an active NMC PIN.
• Leadership, management or mentorship qualification.
• Significant experience in a large older people’s care or nursing home, with at least three years in the sector.
• A strong track record of turnaround, quality improvement and service change.
• Experience of achieving Good or Outstanding CQC ratings and working with the Single Assessment Framework.
• Strong knowledge of clinical auditing, governance, safeguarding, infection control, health and safety, dementia care and relevant legislation.
• Confident communicator with the resilience to manage sensitive issues, competing priorities and operational challenges.
• Proven ability to lead, coach and develop teams.
• Strong IT skills and experience using electronic care systems.

What we offer in return for your hard work:

• 25 Days holiday plus bank holidays
• On-site parking
• DBS Certificate paid for by Excelcare*
• Contributory Pension Scheme
• Discretionary Company Bonus Scheme
• Annual Salary Review
• Comprehensive Induction Program
• Refer a Friend Scheme rewarding up to £500 for every person you refer*
• Blue Light Card membership reimbursement where you can access a wide range of discounts
• Team Appreciation Days
• Long service awards

*Terms & Conditions apply

To find out more about Abbot Care Home please visit: https://www.excelcareholdings.com/care-homes/essex/abbot-care-home

Ready to join us? If you’re a caring, passionate and driven Head of Clinical Services looking for a role where you can make an impact, we’d love to hear from you! Apply online today and start the journey to become part of the Excelcare ‘family’.