Regulatory Compliance and Quality Lead

Regulatory Compliance and Quality Lead

The closing date is 17 November 2025

Are you passionate about driving high standards in healthcare quality and compliance? Do you have a strong track record in working with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and other regulatory bodies? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to join Dorset HealthCare as our Regulatory Compliance and Quality Lead.

Dorset HealthCare is a dynamic and forward-thinking NHS Trust, rated Outstanding by the CQC. We provide a wide range of integrated community and mental health services across Dorset, and we are committed to delivering high quality, person centred care.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Experienced in working with all areas relating to CQC framework and regulatory compliance in a healthcare setting.
• Experienced in relationship management at a senior level, including management of information related to requests and management of inspections involving data requests and submissions to the CQC portal.
• A confident communicator with the ability to influence and engage at all levels.
• Skilled in interpreting complex data and translating it into meaningful action.
• Passionate about quality, safety, and continuous improvement.

What we offer:

• A supportive and inclusive working environment.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• Flexible working options.
• Access to NHS benefits including pension scheme, staff discounts, and wellbeing support

Main duties of the job

Applications from candidates that require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.

This pivotal role will support the Trust in maintaining and enhancing our regulatory compliance, with a particular focus on CQC standards. You will:

• Lead and coordinate the Trust's response to regulatory enquiries, inspections and assessments.
• Provide expert advice and guidance on CQC regulations and quality standards.
• Work collaboratively with clinical and operational teams to ensure continuous improvement.
• Analyse data and intelligence to identify areas of risk and drive quality improvement initiatives.
• Support the development and implementation of robust assurance frameworks.
• To lead and advise in relation to all matters relating to regulatory compliance with the Health and Social Care Act 2008, and associated Care Quality Commission (CQC).
• To lead on the development and coordination of the annual Quality account and Quality priorities.
• To lead oversight and management of the Trust Quality Governance Framework.
• High level of expertise at production of reports at all levels, including Board.

About us

At Dorset HealthCare we're on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined up healthcare services. We're a dynamic, forward looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost800,000 people.

We do things differently here - it's one of the reasons the CQC rated us 'outstanding' in 2019. It's also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you're looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.

Our 7,000 strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.

Working with us you'll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don't know. And you'll be working towards our vision to create healthier lives, empowered citizens and thriving communities.

Job responsibilities

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

We understand that using AI can be a useful and supportive tool when completing your application. However, we have also seen an increase in the over reliance of AI tools which is negatively impacting applications as they remove candidates individuality, and it becomes much harder to get a sense of who you are and your authentic experience. If you do use AI, it should be used to enhance your application and not to create your supporting statement in its entirety. If we suspect you have used AI to create your supporting statement and this does not match your experience, we may withdraw your application.

As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact

Person Specification Knowledge, skills and training

• Educated to Masters degree level (or equivalent experience)
• Evidence of Continuing Professional Development in related area
• Management and Leadership Qualification or equivalent
• Project Management or Quality Improvement qualification
• Quality Assurance or Risk Management training / qualification

Job specific experience

• Significant experience in working in regulatory compliance
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of quality governance requirements within health care
• Knowledge of the CQC regulatory framework
• Expert knowledge and understanding of CQC and other regulatory engagement and all associated support activity

Job specific experience - 2

• Qualitative and quantitative audit methodology and result reporting inclusive of themes extraction and trend analysis
• Experience of critically analysing improvement actions and the related documentation for effective assurance
• Experience of analysing and interpreting information from multiple sources
• Ability and experience of providing accurate Board level reporting

Managerial/Supervisory experience

• Proven effective management of individual and team performance
• Experience in wide range of line management responsibilities, including recruitment

Finance/Resources

• Experience of managing budgets within scope of role

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer name

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust