Interim Head of Quality and Assurance

The Opportunity

This role will lead the redesign and delivery of Walsall’s adult social care quality assurance function at a critical point in its development. The client is transitioning from an outsourced model back to an in-house function and needs to establish a robust, visible and effective approach to quality oversight across its provider market.

Key Responsibilities

You will take ownership of:

• Reviewing and strengthening governance and oversight arrangements for quality assurance

• Leading the transition of an outsourced quality service back in-house, including managing workforce implications and embedding a new structure

• Establishing a proactive quality presence within the provider market, ensuring officers can undertake quality visits and respond to emerging concerns

• Designing and embedding a refreshed quality assurance framework, including provider self-assessment processes and supporting technology

• Providing clarity on risk across the care market, including escalation into safeguarding where required

• Leading recruitment and capability development within the new quality function Context and Challenges The quality agenda is a key area of focus for the client. There are known areas for improvement, alongside sensitivities regarding current performance. The local provider market is characterised by a large number of smaller providers, many of whom lack robust internal quality infrastructures. This increases the importance of effective oversight.

Recent challenges include provider failure linked to quality concerns, alongside limited visibility of performance due to reliance on external arrangements. The incoming postholder will need to quickly assess risk, establish control and drive improvement. The team itself is not yet accustomed to operating at pace, requiring a leader who can set expectations and embed a more delivery-focused culture.

Person Profile You will bring:

• Significant experience in adult social care quality assurance and provider oversight

• A proven track record of designing and implementing quality frameworks

• Strong transformation experience, including service redesign and workforce transition • The credibility to set direction, influence senior stakeholders and lead cultural change • The ability to operate at pace, managing both strategic and operational priorities