Interim Head of Quality & Assurance – Adults Commissioning
Location: Walsall / Hybrid
Contract: Interim – Approx. 6 Months
Start: Immediate
Rate: £550–£650 per day (Inside IR35)
Sector: Local Government / Adult Social Care
The Opportunity
We are supporting a Local Authority seeking an experienced Interim Head of Quality & Assurance (Adults Commissioning) to lead a critical transformation programme within Adult Social Care.
This role will drive the redesign, stabilisation and delivery of the Council’s adult social care quality assurance function during a key transition from an outsourced model back to an internally delivered service.
The successful candidate will establish a robust, visible and proactive approach to provider quality oversight, governance, market risk management and service improvement across the adult social care provider landscape.
This is a high-profile leadership assignment requiring an individual capable of operating at pace across both strategic transformation and operational delivery.
Key Responsibilities
You will be responsible for:
* Leading the transition of the adult social care quality assurance function from an outsourced model back into an in-house service
* Reviewing, strengthening and embedding effective quality governance and assurance arrangements
* Designing and implementing a refreshed quality assurance framework, including provider monitoring, self-assessment processes and supporting systems/technology
* Establishing a stronger operational presence within the provider market through effective quality visits, oversight and early intervention
* Developing clear visibility of provider risk across the care market, including escalation into safeguarding and governance processes where required
* Leading workforce transition, recruitment and capability development within the new quality function
* Driving a culture of accountability, pace and continuous improvement across the team
* Working closely with senior stakeholders to influence direction, manage risk and support organisational priorities
Context
Adult Social Care quality assurance is a key priority area for the Council.
The local provider market includes a significant number of smaller providers, many operating without mature internal quality infrastructures, increasing the need for strong oversight and assurance arrangements.
Recent challenges within the market, including provider quality concerns and limited visibility under previous outsourced arrangements, mean the incoming postholder will need to rapidly assess risk, establish control and drive sustainable improvement.
Person Specification
We are seeking an experienced senior leader with:
* Significant experience within Adult Social Care Quality Assurance, Commissioning or Provider Oversight
* Strong knowledge of adult social care governance, safeguarding, quality monitoring and provider assurance
* Demonstrable experience designing and implementing quality frameworks, operating models or assurance functions
* Proven background delivering service transformation, redesign, mobilisation or workforce transition
* Experience working within Local Authority / Adult Social Care environments
* The credibility and leadership capability to influence senior stakeholders, lead cultural change and manage complex operational challenges
* The ability to balance strategic leadership with hands‑on delivery in a fast‑moving environment
Desirable Experience
* Interim leadership experience within Local Government
* Experience managing outsourced to in-house service transitions
* Understanding of provider market management, commissioning and quality improvement within Adult Social Care
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