Job Summary
The Quality Assurance Officer (QAO) is responsible for delivering a range of audits across the Trust, including cleaning standards, condition appraisals and health and safety compliance. The post holder ensures that all data collected is accurate, consistent and reported in standardised formats to support operational oversight, performance monitoring and continuous service improvement.
Working across clinical and non-clinical areas, the QAO contributes to maintaining high-quality environments by undertaking audits, reporting defects, supporting follow-up actions and assisting in the preparation of monitoring reports. The role requires strong attention to detail, good communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with Facilities, Estates, contractors and clinical teams.
Main duties of the job
The Quality Assurance Officer works across all areas of the Trust, including wards, departments, outpatient areas, office spaces and off-site facilities, undertaking audits that support the delivery of clean, compliant and well-maintained environments. The post holder is responsible for assessing cleaning standards, environmental condition and service quality in line with the National Standards of Healthcare Cleaning 2025 and internal Estates & Facilities requirements.
The role involves gathering accurate data, identifying deficiencies, reporting defects to Estates or contractors, and supporting follow-up actions to ensure issues are resolved. The post holder will produce routine and ad hoc audit reports, contribute to performance monitoring, and help maintain service compliance with agreed KPIs and operational standards.
Working as part of the wider Facilities team, the QAO is expected to build effective working relationships with clinical and non-clinical staff, external contractors and Estates colleagues. The post holder will use Trust systems and auditing software daily, manage their own workload across multiple sites, and uphold high standards of professionalism, customer service and data quality always.
Our Organisation
The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wavea national programme thats changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector.
This means were working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives.
Were a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.
Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.
Duties And Responsibilities
* Cleaning and Environmental Auditing
* Undertake regular audits across wards, departments, public areas, offices and off-site locations in line with the National Standards of Healthcare Cleaning 2025.
* Assess the quality of cleaning delivery, environmental condition and compliance with agreed standards and KPIs.
* Work with contractor representatives or internal teams to review and support rectification of failed audit areas.
* Engage with patients or service users, where required, to gather feedback relating to the environment or soft FM services.
* Data Collection, Reporting and Documentation
* Record all audit findings accurately using Trust-approved systems and templates.
* Ensure data is complete, high quality and stored correctly in line with information governance requirements.
* Produce regular audit reports, summaries, exception reports and performance monitoring information for Facilities Services.
* Report defects observed during audits to Estates or relevant teams and follow up to ensure completion.
* Systems, Processes and Compliance
* Use Trust IT systems, including Microsoft Office, auditing applications and databases, to support daily audit activity.
* Maintain orderly electronic filing systems, ensuring information is accessible, up to date and compliant with data protection requirements.
* Support the review and development of policies, procedures and standard operating practices relevant to the audit function.
* Ensure personal compliance with mandatory training requirements, including infection prevention and control and information governance.
* Team Working and Communication
* Work collaboratively with colleagues across Facilities, Estates, clinical teams and external contractors.
* Communicate audit findings clearly, professionally and constructively to support service improvement.
* Participate in regular team meetings and contribute to discussions on quality, performance and continuous improvement.
* Promote positive working relationships and uphold Trust values when interacting with patients, colleagues and visitors.
* General Responsibilities
* Demonstrate flexibility in supporting audit priorities across multiple sites.
* Contribute to maintaining a clean, safe and welcoming environment through professional conduct and attention to detail.
* Carry out any additional duties relevant to the role, as requested by the Facilities Services Manager and in line with Trust policies.
This job description may be subject to change according to the varying needs of the service. Such changes will be made after discussion between the post holder and the manager. All duties must be carried out under supervision or within Trust policy and procedure.
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