Head of Quality

About the Role

A respected health and social care organisation located in Newcastle, Greystones, Co. Wicklow is recruiting a senior leader to take charge as Head of Quality. This leadership position calls for an expert in quality assurance to steer compliance, governance, and continuous service enhancement across multiple locations providing care for children and young adults with intellectual disabilities and autism.

Key Duties

• Design, implement, and maintain comprehensive systems for quality assurance and risk management.
• Lead audits, quality assessments, and initiatives to improve service delivery.
• Ensure adherence to HIQA standards, New Directions guidelines, and all applicable legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Track performance metrics and formulate plans for ongoing quality improvements.
• Manage incident reporting, investigate serious incidents, and facilitate learning from practice reviews.
• Coordinate the development and periodic review of policies to align with best practices and compliance standards.
• Provide governance support to the Quality & Safety Committee as well as the Audit & Risk Committees.
• Compile and present detailed reports to senior management and board members.
• Assist management teams in integrating quality frameworks into everyday operational activities.
• Lead and nurture the quality assurance and audit teams to achieve organizational goals.

Candidate Profile

• A proactive and team-oriented leader with a solid background in quality, compliance, and continuous improvement within regulated health or social care settings.
• Possession of a Level 8 qualification in a relevant field or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of five years’ experience working within intellectual disability services or affiliated sectors.
• At least three years in a senior management role overseeing quality, audit, or compliance functions.
• In-depth familiarity with HIQA standards, New Directions, and relevant compliance requirements.
• Strong skills in data analysis, reporting, and managing stakeholder relationships.
• Proficient in project management and leading organizational changes.
• Experience in policy crafting, audit strategies, and creating key performance indicators.
• Advanced computer literacy including expertise in Microsoft Excel.
• A Master’s degree in Quality, Governance, Compliance, Business Administration, or Risk Management is an advantage.

Benefits and Compensation

• Salary aligned with HSE Consolidated Pay Scale Grade VIII.
• Membership with the National Federation Voluntary Bodies Pension Scheme.
• Employee wellness programs and initiatives for staff health.
• Comprehensive training and professional development opportunities.
• Access to staff education loans and paid educational leave.
• Participation in the Bike to Work Scheme.
• Enhanced annual leave allowances.
• Refer a Friend recruitment incentive program.
• Christmas Savings Club participation to support financial wellbeing.
• Paid maternity and adoptive leave in accordance with eligibility.
• Sick Pay Scheme applicable to qualifying employees.