About this role
Job summary
Interview Date: 18th August 2026
Can be based in any of our main sites in West Sussex
University Hospitals Sussex is the subject of an important Independent Maternity Review (IMR), commissioned by the Department of Health on behalf of the Secretary of State. This is due tocommencein October 2026 and is expected to last at least 3 years. The review will examine approximately 1,000 cases of stillbirths, neonatal deaths, maternal deaths, neonatal harm due to severe brain injury and severe maternal harm dating back to at least 2018 to understand what happened, reach conclusions on the care provided, provide answers for families and identify learning for the organisation and wider NHS. The review is, by its' very nature, extremely sensitive. The impact is expected to be significant for the families at the heart of the review, current and paststaffand the wider organisation.
Main duties of the job
The Quality Director holds day to day responsibility for running the team and the processes necessary to respond to the IMR team, families, SussexPoliceand other external bodies. The tasks within the portfolio are diverse and require a breadth of experience in senior NHS roles. The Quality Director will be expected to manage tasks related to quality and corporate governance, information management, information governance, analytics, communications, wellbeing,inclusionand professional standards.They will set up and manage the team running the Trust Contact Centre,establishfrom scratch the administrative, information management and governance systems needed tocomply withreview and investigation requirements and provide assurance to the Board and NHSE-DHSC. They will coordinate clinical and corporate subject matter experts working across different Trust functions to ensure responses are compassionate to families, clinically robust, compliant with legal requirements and cognisant of the sensitivity of the subject matter locally and nationally.
About us
At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, & we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack & wellbeing programme,for staff which is extensive & designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching & training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us & throughout your career we will help you to grow & develop.We hope that in choosing UHSx you are choosing a long & happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make & feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application & the start of your journey with UHSx.
Candidate Information Pack: https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/resources/candidate-information-pack/
Job description Job responsibilities
Our Quality Directorwill be the ultimate safe pair of hands. Theymustbe passionate about good patient care and meeting the needs of all our Sussex communities. They willhave a deep understanding of NHS quality systemsand standards patient safety investigations, complaints,clinical effectiveness,medico-legal processes, qualitygovernanceand regulatory requirements.Experience of working with women and childrens services or on a major external quality and safety review are both beneficial.
Personal attributes are as important as skills and experience. You must be able to work under pressure and withhigh levelsof scrutiny calmly and professionally.An ability to build professional networks and productive relationships is essential with our staff, externalpartnersand the families at the heart of the review.Well-developed political instinctsandcommitment to the highest standards of confidentiality, professionalism and discretion are essential.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Knowledge Essential
Master's degree or equivalent knowledge/ experience; Educated to degree level or equivalent professional level in any relevant discipline Evidence of continuing professional development Thorough working knowledge of quality governance standards in health care - PSIRF, Complaints, Clinical Effectiveness, Regulatory and Medico-legal processes, including the Coronial system. Regulatory data protection and patient confidentiality requirements
Desirable
Programme management qualification Management qualification Registered clinician Thorough working knowledge of maternity and neonatal quality governance including CNST, MNSI, PMRT, NICE and Royal College guidance Understanding of NHS regulation - CQC, NHSE, GMC and NMC
Experience Essential
Previous experience of managing complex, high profile programmes of work in healthcare Establishing programmes from scratch - setting up teams, processes and governance Deputising for VSM level staff Leadership of programmes with sensitive and contentious subject matter
Desirable
Quality governance leadership role Prior experience of working with regulatory bodies and / or the Police Previous experience of working on a major external review of quality and safety in the NHS
Communication Skills Essential
Able to develop strong, supportive professional networks Highly developed communication, negotiation, and influencingskills; Ability to present complex information to a range ofaudiences, including members of the public, staff from different clinical backgrounds Skilled in conflict resolution and partnershipworking; Confidence and ability to challenge colleaguesconstructively
Desirable
Experience presenting to Executives and Board level staff Experience of drafting communications which may be used with local and national Politicians eg Parliamentary questions
People Management and Development Essential
Able to set a clear vision, objectives and hold to account Skilled in providing constructive feedback Creates psychologically safe working environments Demonstrates empathy and compassionate leadership Highly skilled in developing and managing networks of different professionals to serve organisational needs
Desirable
Knowledge of 'teaming' approaches Coaching qualification
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Essential
Evidence of championing diversity and inclusion inpreviousroles Able to anticipate the EDI aspects of the work and develop strategies to address them
Desirable
Evidence of working to improve outcomes and experiences for people with protected characteristics Knowledge of the evidence base on inequalities in maternal and child health
Analytical & Judgment skills Essential
Able to establish and manipulate data large, complex data sets needed to report accurately on the programme Able to manage large, complex databases of information and intelligence Able to articulate and score risks appropriately
Desirable
Understanding of clinical outcomes frameworks relevant to the investigation and review eg MBRRACE Understanding of outcomes and experience data relevant to maternal and child health
Planning & Organisational Skills Essential
Highly skilled in translating an objective into a detailed delivery plan with clear tasks, timelines & responsibilities Able to manage multiple, interdependent strands of work and keep a grip on them Able to forecast on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis
Desirable
Prior experience of annual planning and business case production Familiarity with gateway review processes
Freedom to Act Essential
Ability to make autonomous decisions on complex issues, often under pressure using discretion and sound political judgement Able to think ahead and anticipate problems and take reasonable action to resolve them or escalate them to the appropriate level Independently, interpret National Health Service policy and strategy.
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details Employer name University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)
Address West Sussex
West Sussex
BN11 2DH
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)