Senior Practice Manager & Clinical Governance Lead
Job Overview
We are seeking an experienced, highly organised, and proactive Senior Practice Manager & Clinical Governance Lead to join our team. This is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing clinical operations, driving governance excellence, and ensuring full regulatory compliance across the organisation.
The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in maintaining CQC compliance, leading quality improvement initiatives, and ensuring the hospital remains inspection-ready at all times. You will work closely with clinical and administrative teams to deliver safe, effective, and high-quality patient care, while contributing to the strategic development of the practice.
This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated individual looking to make a meaningful impact within a high-quality, patient-focused clinical environment.
Key ResponsibilitiesClinical Governance & Compliance
- Lead and manage the clinical governance framework across the organisation
- Ensure full compliance with CQC standards and all relevant regulatory requirements
- Support and lead CQC registration processes and inspection preparation
- Maintain an inspection-ready environment, ensuring all documentation is accurate and up to date
- Coordinate and chair (or support) Clinical Governance Committee and Medical Advisory Committee (MAC) meetings
- Maintain and oversee the risk register, incident reporting systems, and governance processes
- Ensure robust systems are in place for patient safety, safeguarding, and clinical risk management
Audit & Quality Improvement
- Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive clinical audit programme
- Oversee key audits including:
- WHO Surgical Safety Checklist
- Infection Prevention & Control (IPC)
- Medicines Management
- Consent and documentation
- Ensure completion of the audit → action → re-audit cycle
- Analyse audit and clinical data (using SQL and Excel) to identify trends and areas for improvement
- Present audit findings and quality reports to governance committees and senior leadership
- Drive a culture of continuous improvement and accountability
Operational Leadership
- Oversee day-to-day practice and hospital operations
- Manage patient flow, theatre scheduling, and service delivery efficiency
- Ensure safe staffing levels, workforce planning, and rota management
- Lead on recruitment, onboarding, and staff retention strategies
- Develop and deliver staff training programmes in governance, compliance, and patient experience
- Foster a high-performance, patient-centred culture within the team
Systems, Data & Documentation
- Maintain a comprehensive policy library and document control system
- Ensure all governance, audit, and compliance documentation is accurate and accessible
- Utilise IT systems and data tools to support clinical governance activities
- Analyse complex datasets to inform strategic and operational decision-making
- Implement and optimise digital systems to enhance efficiency and compliance
RequirementsEssential
- Proven experience in a senior healthcare management or clinical governance role
- Strong knowledge of CQC standards and regulatory frameworks
- Demonstrable experience in clinical audit, risk management, and quality improvement
- Experience working within a CQC-regulated environment
- Excellent leadership and team management skills
- Strong analytical ability with proficiency in:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office Suite
- SQL (or similar data analysis tools)
- Exceptional organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong commitment to patient safety and high-quality care
Desirable
- Experience within an independent hospital or surgical setting
- Previous involvement in CQC inspections or registrations
- Advanced leadership or management training/qualification
- Experience implementing digital or IT systems in healthcare settings
Why Join Us
- Work within a high-quality, patient-focused independent hospital
- Be part of a supportive, safety-driven environment
- Opportunity to lead and shape clinical governance strategy
- Play a key role in achieving and maintaining an Outstanding CQC rating
- Engage in a dynamic role with real impact on patient outcomes and service excellence
Application Process
To apply, please submit your CV along with a covering statement outlining your experience in clinical governance, CQC compliance, and leadership within a healthcare setting.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £50,000.00-£70,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
