Head of Risk, Quality & Assurance

About NHS Lothian

NHS Lothian is one of Scotland’s largest and most complex healthcare systems, serving a population of over 900,000 people across Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian and West Lothian. With 24,000 staff, we operate 118 premises, including major acute hospitals, community hospitals, and primary care facilities. The Estates & Facilities Directorate plays a critical role in ensuring safe, compliant and high‑quality environments for patients and staff across this diverse estate.

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated professional to lead our Risk, Quality & Assurance function within Estates & Facilities. This strategic role is pivotal in ensuring robust governance, compliance, and continuous improvement across all NHS Lothian premises, including PFI and leased sites.

Reporting to the Director of Estates & Facilities, you will:

• Support the delivery and development of improved performance and compliance across Estates & Facilities through the implementation of risk, quality and assurance management methodologies.
• Lead the implementation of NHS Lothian’s Estates & Facilities Risk, Quality & Assurance Management Strategy.
• Lead and manage the Risk, Quality & Assurance Management Team and Service, raising the profile of risk, quality and assurance management through the development, implementation and monitoring of relevant strategies and policies.
• Provide expert advice on statutory compliance, assurance frameworks and risk management methodologies.
• Act as the designated Incident and Safety Alert Notice Officer (Responsible Person) for Estates & Facilities in accordance with SHTN 00-44.
• Manage a multi‑disciplinary team (approx. 20 WTE) and oversee budgets of around £1M revenue plus significant capital allocations.
• Develop and monitor governance arrangements, performance frameworks and compliance systems.
• Engage with senior stakeholders, including the NHS Board Executive Leadership Team, and external bodies such as NHS Assure, Scottish Government and regulatory agencies.
• Provide cover for the Director and Associate Director in their absence.

Education:

Educated to SCQF Level 11 (Masters) or equivalent experience in risk, safety and quality management, plus a postgraduate qualification in leadership/management.

Experience:

A proven track record in risk, quality and assurance management within Estates & Facilities, strong knowledge of NHS statutory and mandatory compliance requirements, financial and staff management experience at a senior level.

Skills:

Highly developed analytical, communication and leadership skills. Ability to interpret complex data, develop and implement policies, procedures and protocols, devise monitoring tools. Experience managing others, managing change, managing projects and contributing to strategic developments within identified timescales.

This is an opportunity to influence and shape the future of Estates & Facilities governance within one of Scotland’s leading healthcare organisations. You will play a critical role in ensuring safe, compliant and high‑quality environments for patients and staff.

This post requires the post holder to have a PVG Scheme membership or record. If the post holder is not a current PVG member for the required regulatory group (i.e. child and/or adult) then an application will need to be made to Disclosure Scotland and deemed satisfactory before commencement of duties. Due to legislative changes from 1 April 2025, this post may require a different level of criminal record check than is currently the case.

If the post is assessed as a regulated role, your appointment will be subject to joining the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme. Any change to the current requirement will be confirmed by the hiring manager or recruitment team.

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society and will fully support disabled candidates, those with long‑term conditions or neurodivergent individuals by making reasonable adjustments to our recruitment policy and practices.