Interim Head of Quality & Assurance

Adult Social Care | 6-Month Interim Assignment | Immediate Start

Our client is seeking an experienced Interim Head of Quality & Assurance to lead a high-profile transformation programme within Adult Social Care during a pivotal period of change and service redesign.

This is a unique opportunity for a senior leader to reshape and embed a modern, effective quality assurance function as the council transitions from an outsourced model back to an internally delivered service. The successful candidate will play a critical role in strengthening quality oversight across the adult social care provider market, ensuring services consistently deliver safe, effective and person-centred care whilst meeting regulatory and statutory requirements.

This assignment is offered on an initial 6-month basis, with an immediate start available. The role offers a hybrid working arrangement, with 1-2 days per week required on site.

Rate: £550-£650 per day (Inside IR35), with flexibility for exceptional candidates.

Key Responsibilities

You will be responsible for:

• Leading the redesign, development and implementation of the Adult Social Care Quality Assurance function.
• Reviewing and strengthening governance and oversight arrangements across the provider market.
• Managing the transition of an outsourced quality assurance service back in-house, including workforce implications and embedding a new operating structure.
• Establishing a visible and proactive quality assurance presence within the provider market, enabling officers to undertake quality visits and respond to emerging concerns.
• Designing and implementing a refreshed quality assurance framework, including provider self-assessment processes and supporting technology solutions.
• Providing clear oversight of risk across the care market, ensuring appropriate escalation into safeguarding processes where required.
• Leading recruitment, workforce planning and capability development within the new quality function.
• Providing strategic leadership during a period of significant organisational transformation and cultural change.

About the Assignment

Quality assurance is a key strategic priority for the council, with recognised opportunities for improvement and increased visibility required across the local provider market. The successful candidate will inherit a landscape characterised by a large number of smaller providers, many of whom have limited internal quality infrastructures.

Following recent provider failures linked to quality concerns, the council is seeking an experienced leader who can quickly assess risk, establish robust controls and implement sustainable improvements.

The postholder will also be responsible for embedding a more delivery-focused culture, setting clear expectations and supporting teams to operate at pace.

Requirements

The ideal candidate will have:

• Significant senior leadership experience within Adult Social Care Quality Assurance, Provider Oversight, Commissioning or Service Improvement.
• A proven track record of designing and implementing quality assurance frameworks within local government or health and social care settings.
• Strong transformation experience, including service redesign, workforce transition and organisational change.
• Extensive knowledge of adult social care legislation, safeguarding responsibilities, regulatory frameworks and provider oversight.
• The credibility and confidence to influence senior stakeholders and drive cultural change.
• The ability to balance strategic priorities with hands-on operational leadership in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional communication, stakeholder management and leadership skills.

At Spencer Clarke Group, we are committed to connecting talented professionals with outstanding interim and permanent opportunities across the public sector. Our specialist consultants offer expert market knowledge, tailored career advice and ongoing support throughout the recruitment process to ensure you find the right role for your experience and ambitions.

We also offer a market-leading referral scheme of up to £250. If you know someone who may be interested in this opportunity, please encourage them to get in touch with Sophie at Spencer Clarke Group.

Terms and conditions apply.