Director of Nursing and Quality

We are seeking an exceptional visionary leader to take on the role of Director of Nursing & Quality at a time of significant transformation and innovation, as well as providing a unique opportunity to work closely with Welsh Government (WG), across NHS Wales, with local authorities and wider public bodies, and other stakeholders.

As Director of Nursing & Quality, you will provide strategic leadership, operational excellence and inspire a culture of continuous improvement across Quality, Safety and Improvement at NHS Wales Performance and Improvement and our other functions. You will be directly accountable to the Managing Director, NHS Wales Performance and Improvement, for the development and effective delivery of the NHSP&I's annual work plan encompassing its broad range of work.

The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post;
Welsh and/or English speakers are equally welcome to apply.

The Director of Nursing & Quality will provide strategic, system-wide leadership for quality, safety and continuous improvement across NHS Wales, ensuring compliance with national legislation, frameworks and regulatory requirements, and embedding a culture of learning, assurance and high‑quality care.

They will contribute to national performance and improvement leadership, providing expert clinical advice, monitoring quality and safety performance, overseeing escalation where required, and producing high‑level reports to support effective governance and delivery of Ministerial priorities.

As the senior professional nursing and midwifery leader, the post holder will provide strategic, operational and professional leadership aligned with Chief Nursing Officer priorities, holding accountability for safeguarding, infection prevention, patient experience, nurse staffing and regulatory relationships.

The role will lead national quality, safety and improvement programmes, supporting service redesign and transformation, building improvement capability across the system, and fostering strong partnerships with improvement bodies, academic institutions and national and international networks.

The Director of Nursing & Quality will lead and develop a high‑performing, inclusive workforce; manage financial, digital and physical resources effectively; champion innovation and data‑driven improvement.

NHS Wales Performance & Improvement (formerly the NHS Wales Executive) has an important and valuable role in the delivery of key Welsh Government priorities:

• To support NHS Wales to deliver better health services for patients and the public

• To support Ministers to hold NHS Wales to account for the provision of health services

Since its inception in April 2023, strong foundations have been put in place within NHS Wales Performance & Improvement (NHS P&I) – including a more joined‑up and informed approach between policy development and operational NHS delivery, and improved coordination and collaboration across whole systems and pathways. Building on this foundation, NHS P&I aims to be an acknowledged centre of excellence in its field, efficient and responsive to the needs of both NHS Wales and Ministers, supporting best practice, and streamlining accountability.

NHS P&I will support the NHS by providing:

• Improvement services
• Value and sustainability support
• Clinical expertise in service improvement, drawing on the best in Wales

NHS P&I will support Ministers by providing:

• Performance management support
• Planning advice
• Advice to Welsh Government on use of powers of directions and intervention

For guidance on the application process, please visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

The Director of Nursing and Quality will provide expert insight, support and clinical advice, with the experience and skills to direct measurable and sustained improvement for NHS Wales by effective and strategic clinical leadership. The post holder will be key to achieving NHS Performance & Improvement strategy and vision and will be at the forefront of developing and driving measurable improvement through a structured process to support quality and safety…