Specialist Advisor - Independent Healthcare
Join to apply for the Specialist Advisor - Independent Healthcare role at Care Quality Commission
Role overview and requirements are as follows.
Rate: £300 payable to the individual or to a seconding organisation.
Contracted Hours: Ad-Hoc – As and when required.
Closing date: Monday 27th October 2025 at 11.59pm.
All SpAs are required to be substantively employed in active professional practice at a trust or provider, in a role aligned to the scope and specialisms of their work with CQC. If this role is within a clinical setting, it needs to include regular, clinical interactions with patients or service users on a monthly basis. For non-clinical professions, this should include direct work or direct line management of work with service users. Professional practice does not include supportive areas, such as teaching, training or an advisory position.
Why this could be a great role
The CQC’s approach to inspection relies on Specialist Advisors in each inspection team. Specialist Advisors provide specialist advice and knowledge to support regulatory inspection and investigation activity. This ensures that judgements are informed by up-to-date clinical and professional knowledge and experience.
Work arrangement: This role is ad-hoc and can be undertaken alongside your current role via an inward secondment agreement. Employers may allow study leave or professional leave for CQC work as a tool for service improvement and professional development. There is also provision for Specialist Advisors to complete work for CQC in their own time and to receive remuneration through CQC payroll; income is subject to statutory deductions at source. This applies to individuals who do not have a substantive employer or who carry out work for CQC outside of substantive hours.
What we're looking for from you
We welcome those who are deeply passionate about quality in healthcare services and who wish to contribute to improving the experiences of service users and families in the delivery of effective regulation, credible inspections and tangible quality improvements.
Role requirements
Here at the Care Quality Commission we are seeking to recruit Specialist Advisors with expertise in acute Independent Healthcare. To be considered for this role you must be from one of the following areas:
* Surgical ward senior nurse or manager
* Outpatient senior nurse or manager with a speciality (such as ophthalmology)
* High dependency nurses (for surgical specialities)
* Allied Health Professionals including physiotherapists and radiographers
* Theatre senior practitioners and nurse manager
* Endoscopy nurse specialist
* Cancer services nurse, manager or doctor
* Cosmetic surgery nurse, manager or surgeon
* Independent health governance manager or lead
* Medical Director, acute Independent health hospital or clinic
You will have up-to-date and credible clinical and professional knowledge and experience to evaluate and analyse evidence and information. You should be a skilled communicator, able to engage with staff, service users and stakeholders at every level, and able to interpret complex information and work openly as part of a team.
There is no fixed number of inspections per year; a minimum of 1–2 days per month is expected where possible, with more as available. We aim to provide 6 weeks’ notice ahead of inspection, though this may be shorter depending on risk. A scheduling department will coordinate availability. Inspections are a mix of virtual and onsite; travel, accommodation and subsistence are reimbursed within CQC policy.
Supporting statement: In your supporting statement, tell us about your experience in one of the above areas. Shortlisting candidates will be invited to interviews held virtually via Microsoft Teams.
Next steps: If you apply, you’ll need to create a profile and complete an online application form. Your application will be anonymous. We contact every applicant to notify outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide timely, robust and objective specialist advice to CQC staff, either verbally or in writing.
* Accompany CQC representatives on inspection and investigation activity to identified provider organisations and provide input to support appropriate judgements in your specialist area.
* Observe the highest standards of impartiality, integrity and objectivity in all advice and activities undertaken for CQC.
* Maintain openness and transparency in all business activities and the provision of advice for CQC.
* Ensure all work is within the scope and adheres to relevant CQC policies and guidance.
* Maintain confidentiality of information accessed during work for CQC.
Essential Criteria
* Proven experience in your specialist area (as listed above).
* Strong understanding of the health and/or social care sector.
* Highly developed influencing, analytical and communication skills.
* A track record of working successfully with senior teams in large organisations.
* Up-to-date skills, knowledge and experience in your area of specialism.
* Current registration with the appropriate professional body.
* Residency in England and evidence of employment within an organisation currently regulated by the CQC.
Individual Adjustments
We are committed to supporting candidates by identifying potential challenges and facilitating individual adjustments as appropriate. If you require assistance or adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact temprecruitment@cqc.org.uk.
To progress your application, you’ll need to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK. Sponsorship for this role is not available. Some roles may require a satisfactory DBS check.
Next steps and accessibility
If you apply, create a profile and complete the online form. Your application will be anonymous and you will be informed of the outcome. If you need adjustments for interview or the role, contact recruitment@cqc.org.uk. We promote a workplace where fairness, respect and inclusion are a priority. See our ED&I page for more information.
ED&I and support
We welcome applications from everyone. If you’d like to chat, please contact recruitment@cqc.org.uk. We offer various employee networks and support; see our accessibility and ED&I pages for details.
Benefits
* Training and development opportunities.
* Wellbeing initiatives, such as gym discounts and meditation.
* Discount schemes (including eligibility for a Blue Light card, at a cost of £4.99 and valid for 2 years), reward vouchers, car leasing and more.
Note: This description reflects the role as published and does not imply an offer of employment.
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