About this role
Job summary
As the Governance and Assurance Lead you will be a key part of the management team responsible for ensuring good practice is adhered to when it comes to governance, safeguarding and health & safety. You will provide guidance and recommendations to staff where necessary, as well as organising any relevant training where appropriate. You will work closely with senior management, providing regular updates and highlighting any potential risks or concerns that will need to be addressed.
Main duties of the job
The successful candidate will support the delivery of effective governance and quality assurance across designated services, ensuring compliance with organisational standards, regulatory requirements, and CQC expectations. They will oversee audit processes, review governance and quality data, support continuous service improvement, and contribute to the development and implementation of policies and best practices.
The role will involve participating in governance, safeguarding, and health and safety groups, reviewing incidents and complaints, supporting investigations where required, and ensuring identified actions are implemented. The postholder will also promote a positive health and safety culture through training, risk assessments, and site inspections, ensuring policies, procedures, and documentation remain compliant, up to date, and effective.
About us
ABL is an exciting fast-paced, growing community health organisation. As an experienced, CQC registered, provider of community health services, we are passionate about delivering evidence based, innovative, effective and relevant health care services in partnership with individuals, communities and stakeholders.
We are a values driven organisation, dedicated to reducing health inequalities and improving peoples lives. We would love to hear from you if you would like the opportunity to work with in a close team of committed professionals and you share our values of designing and delivering health services.
Job description Job responsibilities
Here's a consolidated job description written in a professional job advert style:
As the Governance and Assurance Lead, you will play a key role within the management team, leading on governance, safeguarding, quality assurance, and health and safety across a range of services. You will be responsible for ensuring that organisational policies, regulatory requirements, and best practice standards are consistently implemented and maintained, supporting the delivery of safe, effective, responsive, caring, and well-led services. Working closely with senior leaders and operational teams, you will provide expert guidance, support service improvement initiatives, and identify opportunities to strengthen governance and compliance processes.
The successful candidate will oversee governance and quality assurance activities across designated contracts, ensuring compliance with organisational expectations, legislative requirements, and Care Quality Commission (CQC) standards. This will include coordinating audit programmes, reviewing audit evidence and findings, supporting operational leads with compliance and improvement actions, and preparing reports for senior management on governance performance, risks, and quality improvement initiatives. You will contribute to the ongoing development of governance systems and processes, taking appropriate remedial action where improvements are required.
A key aspect of the role will be supporting the implementation of organisational policies and procedures, ensuring services operate in line with current legislation, regulatory standards, and best practice guidance. You will participate in company-wide governance, safeguarding, and health and safety steering groups, providing specialist advice and contributing to the development of organisational strategies and initiatives.
The role will also involve reviewing incidents, complaints, and safeguarding concerns to ensure compliance with relevant policies and procedures. Where required, you will conduct investigations into significant incidents and support services to implement corrective actions and learning outcomes. You will work proactively with managers and staff to identify risks, promote good practice, and embed a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organisation.
As part of your health and safety responsibilities, you will promote a positive safety culture by providing information, guidance, and training to enhance staff knowledge and capability. You will undertake risk assessments, support the implementation of risk reduction measures, and carry out site inspections to ensure policies and procedures are being effectively followed and that all health and safety documentation remains accurate and up to date.
We are seeking a motivated and experienced professional with a strong understanding of governance, safeguarding, quality assurance, and health and safety within a healthcare, social care, or other regulated environment. You will be a confident and approachable leader, capable of influencing and supporting colleagues at all levels while constructively challenging poor practice when necessary. You will have experience of conducting audits, investigations, incident reviews, and implementing service improvement actions, alongside the ability to analyse complex information, identify trends, and present findings clearly through reports and recommendations.
The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication, organisational, and relationship-building skills, enabling them to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders. You will be proactive, resilient, and solutions-focused, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines. Strong IT skills and experience of maintaining accurate records, compliance documentation, and reporting systems are essential. A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle are required, as regular travel between service locations will form part of the role. Above all, you will demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement, professional development, and maintaining the highest standards of governance, compliance, and service quality.
Person Specification
Experience Desirable
Experience working in a health promotion setting.
Qualifications Essential
Minimum of 2 years working in a healthcare related role. A mature understanding of Governance systems in a health or social care setting.
Desirable
IOSH or NEBOSH Qualified. Safeguarding Level 4 (Designated Safeguarding Officer)
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 details Employer name ABL Health Ltd
Address 71 Redgate Way
Farnworth
Bolton
BL4 0JL
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.ablhealth.co.uk/work-for-us/join-our-team/ (Opens in a new tab)