Overview
The Head of Clinical Governance, Risk and Compliance is a senior leadership role within the Chief Nurse Team, responsible for providing expert strategic leadership in the delivery and oversight of clinical governance, clinical risk, and regulatory compliance across the Trust.
This role is pivotal in ensuring the organisation meets its statutory and regulatory obligations, and consistently delivers safe, high-quality, and effective care in line with Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards, NHS England guidance, and national best practice.
Reporting to the Deputy Chief Nurse, you will lead the development and implementation of robust governance arrangements, with a particular focus on clinical governance, clinical risk management, and compliance. You will work collaboratively across all clinical divisions and corporate functions to ensure systems and processes are in place to support assurance, continuous improvement, and regulatory readiness. You will also work closely with and provide strategic support to the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and their portfolio, ensuring alignment and collaboration across medical and nursing leadership.
Main duties
* Provide strategic leadership for the Trust's clinical governance framework, ensuring alignment with statutory, regulatory, and quality standards.
* Lead the development of systems to identify, assess, and manage clinical risks, promoting patient safety and continuous improvement.
* Ensure compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements, including CQC standards and NHS England guidance, offering expert oversight and advice.
* Oversee quality assurance programmes and accreditation readiness. Collaborate with Quality and Safety teams to ensure cohesive, evidence-based assurance and effective follow-up on inspection outcomes.
* Embed quality and safety standards at all levels through a robust compliance and accountability framework, fostering a culture of ownership.
* Ensure a Trust-wide clinical audit programme is in place, using findings to drive improvements in patient care and service delivery.
* Work with the Chief Medical Officer and operational leaders to align governance priorities and integrate them into daily practice.
* Deputise for the Deputy Chief Nurse on clinical quality matters and represent the Trust in strategic forums, influencing policy and practice.
* Review and enhance Trust policies to align with strategic goals, leading initiatives to advance governance maturity and performance.
About us
Our Trust
Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke's Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. With over 13,000 staff and over 1100 beds, the priorities of the Trust focus on a quality service which is all about people — patients, staff and partners. CUH is recognised as providing outstanding care and rated Good overall by the Care Quality Commission. The Trust’s values — Together, Safe, Kind, Excellent — are at the heart of patient care.
CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. We value differences and strive to create an inclusive working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential.
Details
Date posted: 11 September 2025
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 8d
Salary: £91,342 to £105,337 a year p.a. pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working
Reference number: 180-F-255220
Job location: Addenbrookes Hospital - Corporate, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.
Qualifications and experience
Essential
* Educated to Master’s level or equivalent leadership experience.
* Postgraduate Governance, Risk management qualification, or relevant experience.
* Significant NHS senior management experience in acute hospital settings.
* Significant experience of Governance, Compliance or Risk at a senior level in a large or complex organisation.
* Demonstrable track record of improving quality or reducing risk.
* Experience of managing healthcare-related accreditation or inspection requirements (particularly CQC).
* Significant experience of managing staff.
* Expert knowledge of NHS governance systems and statutory frameworks.
* Understanding of patient safety, quality improvement, and clinical risk.
* Familiarity with NHSE’s Well-Led Framework and CQC inspection standards.
* Collaborative, with excellent influencing and communication skills; strong analytical skills; proven interpersonal skills; high-level report writing.
* Ability to establish positive relationships with people at all levels, including patients, services users and carers.
* The ability to understand and behave according to the Trust values of safe, kind, excellent; embodies the NHS Constitution and Trust values; demonstrates integrity, transparency, and a commitment to improvement.
Desirable
* Clinical Professional registration (NMC, GMC or HCPC).
* Postgraduate management or similar relevant qualification or experience.
* Experience in trust board development or governance consultancy.
* Experience of undertaking patient safety visits.
* The commissioning process, Quality Account requirements.
Disclosures
Disclosure and Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a DBS check will be required.
Certificate of Sponsorship: Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship will be considered. Further information is available on the UK Visas and Immigration website.
Employer details
Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Addenbrookes Hospital - Corporate, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ
Employer’s website: https://www.cuh.nhs.uk
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