Head of Nursing & Quality

ob overview
Join HUC as Head of Nursing and Quality, and actively shape the direction of nursing and clinical care across primary and urgent care services. In this influential leadership role, you will create and embed forward-thinking strategies that prioritise patient safety, elevate professional standards, and drive continuous quality improvement. Working in partnership with the Director of Nursing, operational leaders, and system partners, you will steer the development of a high-performing, motivated nursing workforce and ensure effective oversight of clinical audit, governance, and risk management processes.
This post will enable you to establish robust frameworks for compliance with CQC and NHS England, while spearheading innovation and digital transformation in care delivery. You will drive service improvement initiatives, foster shared learning, and cultivate strong relationships that support collaborative practice - ultimately positioning HUC as a leader in safe, compassionate, and high-quality care. Your influence will be felt across the organisation, from supporting patient experience and workforce wellbeing, to ensuring our ambition to achieve Outstanding status is realised. This role offers a unique opportunity to leave an enduring professional legacy, empowering nurses, shaping clinical quality, and transforming care for diverse communities.
Main duties of the job
* Lead the design and implementation of strategic nursing workforce plans, developing robust recruitment, retention, education, and career progression programmes that align with national frameworks and NMC standards.
* Oversee all aspects of clinical governance, including risk management, incident reporting, complaints handling, and quality audits, ensuring these processes drive tangible improvements in care and staff development.
* Champion delivery of HUC’s Quality Strategy, embedding continuous improvement, patient-centred care, and a culture of excellence across all operational teams.
* Ensure compliance with regulatory and statutory requirements, including CQC and NHS England, and provide informed assurance to the Board regarding nursing quality and patient safety.
* Act as a visible leader and role model, supporting the wellbeing, voice, and professional development of nurses across all sites while providing expert escalation and guidance for complex issues.
* Build and nurture relationships with key stakeholders, representing HUC in multi-agency service improvement programmes and fostering effective partnership working throughout the health and care system.
* Drive digital transformation and evidence-based innovation, implementing clinical solutions that enhance quality, safety, and the patient experience across both physical and remote care pathways.
Working for our organisation
HUC provides the NHS 111 and Out of Hours service to over 4.5 million patients across the East, and the South West of England. HUC is an exciting and supportive place to work and we have a wealth of knowledge across the organisation, ensuring we get the most appropriate outcome for every patient.
At HUC, you will also benefit from:
Exclusive Discounts: Unlock amazing savings on shopping, travel, and entertainment through our Discount Hub, Blue Light Card, Tickets for Good, and more. From everyday essentials to special experiences, we’ve got your wallet covered!
NHS Pension Scheme: Secure your future with the NHS Pension, offering peace of mind and valuable long-term financial benefits for all our staff.
Wellbeing Support: Your health matters! Enjoy access to counselling services, personalised health plans, calming meditation guides, energising fitness routines, and delicious recipes to keep you thriving every day.
Recognition and Rewards: Your hard work won’t go unnoticed! Celebrate your achievements with peer shout-outs, special awards, and exclusive event vouchers that show how much we appreciate you.
Financial Perks: Take the stress out of money matters with free financial advice, a healthcare cash plan to cover everyday expenses, and smart savings options through our Credit Union.
Career Growth: Build the future you deserve with our My Academy training programs, exciting internal vacancies, and regular updates to keep you in the loop with HUC news and opportunities.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see the attached job description and person specification for full details including main responsibilities.
Please note you must have full, unrestricted right to work in the UK. We are unable to provide visa sponsorships.
Person specification
Essential
Essential criteria
* Registered NMC professional
* Master’s level qualification in nursing or equivalent demonstrated title
* Non-Medical Prescriber qualification
* Significant experience in a senior clinical and/or nursing leadership role
* Experience supporting nursing workforce development and revalidation
* Strong leadership of multi-professional teams and evidence of integrated cross functional working across teams
* Evidence of working clinically at Band 7 within Urgent / Primary care
Desirable criteria
* Management or leadership qualification
* Experience working across urgent or out-of-hours services
* Involvement in multi-agency safeguarding, legal proceedings, or coronial work
You must have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application. We are not able to offer sponsorship for this role.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, should we receive sufficient applications