Quality, Compliance, Safeguarding & Data Protection Lead
Location: Covering Gloucester, Keynsham and Bristol (travel required)
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Requirements: Full driving licence and access to a car
Why Join Us?
This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of young people, ensuring they are safeguarded, supported, and that their data and rights are protected. You will be a key part of a passionate and professional team, helping to shape services that consistently deliver Good and Outstanding outcomes.
About the Role
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Quality, Compliance, Safeguarding and Data Protection Lead to join our team. This is a pivotal role, working closely with Home Managers, Registered Managers, and the Regional Team to ensure our homes deliver safe, effective and person-centred care. You will champion best practice, strengthen safeguarding across services, oversee data protection compliance, and embed a robust quality assurance framework to drive continuous improvement and outstanding outcomes for the young people we support.
* Key Responsibilities
Quality & Compliance
* Lead the implementation of quality assurance processes and audit frameworks to ensure regulatory compliance and high standards of care.
* Conduct thorough audits of clinical and care practice, producing clear, evidence-based reports with actionable recommendations.
* Monitor and validate progress against action plans, working alongside Operations Managers.
* Support Registered Managers in preparing for inspections and responding effectively to compliance reports.
* Analyse incidents and complaints using Root Cause Analysis, identifying learning and driving improvement.
* Stay up-to-date with regulatory requirements and sector best practice, sharing relevant updates across services.
* Provide training, guidance and practical tools to managers and staff to embed quality and compliance in everyday practice.
Property & Contractor Management
* Oversee the purchasing and arrangement of contractors for home improvements, repairs, and ongoing maintenance.
* Ensure all contractors meet health and safety standards and deliver services in line with regulatory requirements.
* Maintain records of contracts, agreements and contractor compliance documentation.
* Work with Home Managers to prioritise property improvements that enhance safety, comfort, and regulatory compliance.
Safeguarding
* Act as the Safeguarding Lead for the region, advising and supporting on child protection and safeguarding matters.
* Represent the organisation at safeguarding strategy meetings, Coroner's Court and other external forums as required.
* Ensure staff are confident and skilled in recognising, reporting and responding to safeguarding concerns.
Data Protection & GDPR (DPO Lead)
* Act as the organisation's Data Protection Officer (DPO) Lead for the region, ensuring compliance with GDPR and data protection legislation.
* Advise managers and staff on data protection responsibilities and good information governance practice.
* Monitor data handling practices, ensuring the safe and lawful use, storage and sharing of personal data.
* Investigate and respond to data breaches, ensuring timely reporting in line with ICO requirements.
* Maintain up-to-date records of processing activities and ensure data subject rights are protected.
* Provide staff training and awareness sessions on GDPR and information security.
IT & Database Management
* Ensure all electronic records and compliance databases are accurate, up to date, and maintained in line with regulatory and organisational changes.
* Support the development and roll-out of digital systems to strengthen compliance monitoring and reporting.
* Train managers and staff in effective use of IT systems for recording, reporting and data protection.
* Act as a point of contact for troubleshooting data entry/compliance system queries.
Leadership & Development
* Collaborate with the Head of Quality, Learning & Development and Registered Managers to design and deliver training packages on compliance, safeguarding and best practice.
* Support policy development and review to ensure alignment with legislation, guidance and regulatory expectations.
* Lead key improvement projects such as reducing restrictive practices, strengthening MCA/Best Interest processes, and ensuring safe delegation of operational tasks.
* Promote a culture of learning, accountability and continuous improvement across all homes.
About You
Essential
* Full driving licence and access to a car.
* At least 3 years' experience in a quality and compliance role within children's social care.
* Strong knowledge of UK healthcare regulations and CQC expectations.
* Significant safeguarding expertise, with Level 4 Safeguarding Lead training and experience.
* Demonstrated expertise in GDPR and Data Protection compliance, ideally with DPO responsibilities.
* Proven experience supporting children and young people with emotional, behavioural, and neurodevelopmental needs (ADHD, Autism, self-harm, decision-making, independence).
* Strong organisational, analytical and report-writing skills.
* Confident, self-motivated and collaborative team player.
Desirable
* Previous Registered/Home Manager experience.
* Experience working within the private sector.
* Skilled in policy development and implementation.
* Strong audit and change management/turnaround experience.
* Demonstrable experience of building positive relationships with regulators and external agencies.
* Advanced IT and electronic system skills.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £30,000.00-£33,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Additional leave
* Casual dress
* Company events
* Company pension
* Cycle to work scheme
* Employee mentoring programme
* Free or subsidised travel
* Health & wellbeing programme
* Private dental insurance
Work Location: In person