Job summary
Help us make sure every person we care for receives safe, effective and compassionate care, every single time. Every year, our clinical teams support hundreds of patients and families across Milton Keynes, none of it would be safe or effective without excellent clinical governance behind it.

We're looking for an experienced clinical governance and quality leader to take ownership of clinical governance and quality assurance: someone who can build a culture where learning and improvement come naturally, where regulatory compliance is a source of confidence rather than anxiety, and where every member of our clinical team feels supported to deliver their best work.

Main duties of the job
As Head of Clinical Quality and Governance, you'll join a supportive clinical leadership team and help nurture the systems and culture that keep our care safe, effective and continually improving. Working in close partnership with our Director of Clinical Services and clinical leads across the organisation, you'll provide trusted guidance on clinical audit, risk management and learning from incidents.

You'll work closely with the Head of Governance, Performance and Improvement and Registered Manager to ensure our readiness for Care Quality Commission inspections; prepare our annual Quality Account and fulfil the role of Controlled Drugs Accountable Officer.

This is an opportunity to bring your expertise into a collaborative environment where your contribution will be valued and where learning is shared openly. Together, we'll make sure good governance is felt in every ward round, home visit and conversation with a family not simply held in a policy folder.

What you'll bring:

• Experience in a senior clinical governance, quality or risk management role within a health or social care setting.
• A confident, working knowledge of the Care Quality Commission's fundamental standards, and experience of preparing for and hosting regulatory inspection.
• A track record of leading clinical audit and quality improvement programmes that lead to real, visible change.
• Experience of investigating incidents and complaints, ideally including root cause analysis and the Patient Safety Incident Response Framework (PSIRF).
• The confidence to present clearly, and the warmth to support a nurse having a difficult day.
• A genuine commitment to the values and mission of hospice care.

About us
Set in the tranquil grounds of Willen Lake, Willen Hospice is the leading provider of specialist palliative care in the Milton Keynes area. We offer round-the-clock, expert care to local patients with a life-limiting illness, both in their own homes and in our In-Patient Unit. Our passionate staff and volunteers make sure our care is personalised to each patient's needs and supports their loved ones too.

We have a thriving Therapeutic and Wellbeing service providing counselling, physiotherapy, activity groups and more, and a specialist Lymphoedema service. As a registered charity, we raise vital funds through our dedicated Business Development team and our growing portfolio of high street and online shops, to ensure our care stays free of charge.

Why Join Us?
A Role with Purpose
Be part of a team delivering outstanding palliative care.

Supportive and Caring Environment
Work with passionate colleagues.

Great Benefits Package
Including 35 days' holiday, contributory pension scheme, enhanced maternity/sick pay, and ongoing professional development.

Perks and Extras
Free on-site parking, subsidised catering, Blue Light Card discounts (with membership), and an Employee Assistance Programme.

This is more than a job, it's a chance to make a real difference in the lives of patients and families during some of their most vulnerable moments. You'll be part of a compassionate, diverse, and committed team that puts quality care and dignity at the heart of everything we do. Apply today and become part of something meaningful.

Closing date: 20 November 2026
Working pattern: Full-time
Contract: Permanent

This appointment is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.