Interim Audit & Quality Project Lead

Interim Audit & Quality Project Lead

Location: Hybrid / Head Office (North Tyneside)

Contract: Fixed Term - 6 to 9 Months (Flexible)

Days: 2-3 Days per Week (Consultancy Basis - Negotiable)

Rate: Competitive Day Rate

Key Responsibilities

1. Design and deliver a risk-based internal audit programme
2. Undertake audits across care, housing, HR/people and operational controls
3. Produce concise reports with clear, actionable recommendations
4. Establish processes for tracking actions and improvements

Compliance Assurance and Baseline

1. Map regulatory requirements (CQC, RSH) and internal processes
2. Identify gaps, risks and duplication
3. Provide an initial assurance position to the Executive Team

Tools and Audit Infrastructure

1. Develop practical audit templates, reporting formats and tools
2. Support use of digital compliance systems within audit activity

Process and Efficiency Review

1. Review SOPs, quality processes, incidents and documentation
2. Identify opportunities to improve consistency, reduce duplication and strengthen controls

Future Framework Development (Secondary Phase)

1. Support development of a longer-term Quality Assurance & Internal Audit Framework
2. Establish audit schedules, reporting structures and compliance oversight

Stakeholder Engagement & Reporting

1. Work with service managers and operational teams to deliver audits
2. Provide clear updates and insights to the Executive Team

Key Deliverables

1. Delivery of the internal audit programme and priority audits
2. Clear audit reports with actionable recommendations
3. Baseline position on compliance and assurance
4. Practical tools and frameworks to support ongoing improvement

Requirements

Essential:

1. Experience in internal audit, quality assurance or compliance within relevant sectors
2. Strong knowledge of CQC and RSH standards
3. Proven audit delivery experience
4. Strong analytical and communication skills

Desirable:

1. Experience with recognised quality standards (e.g. ISO9001, CHAS)
2. Experience developing audit or quality frameworks
3. Knowledge of the voluntary or community sector