We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader as
Head of Quality
joining our Senior Management Team to shape our quality, compliance and service improvement strategy across a diverse multi-site organisation
POSITION AVAILABLE:
Permanent Full-time contract (35 hours per week)
You are:
A dynamic and energetic team player with excellent leadership skills and management experience.
The ideal candidate will have:
· the necessary experience and skills to lead and develop the organisation’s quality, compliance and service‑improvement functions to ensure safe, person‑centred services that meet all regulatory and legal requirements as well as relevant national standards (e.g. HIQA, New Directions)
· the ability to work under pressure and manage changing priorities.
· a proven track record in planning, developing and improving services.
· a commitment to continually improving the lives of the people we support.
We are:
St. Catherine’s Association is a non-profit organisation and registered charity funded by the HSE that provides health and social care related supports to children and young adults with moderate to profound intellectual disabilities and autism in the Wicklow area. These services include Respite and Short Break Services, Adult Day Services, Residential Services and access to clinical supports through referral to Children’s Disability Network Team.
Job Role:
· Develop, implement and maintain comprehensive quality and risk management systems and procedures. Maintain and oversee corporate and local risk registers.
· Design and implement regular service audits and quality reviews; establish and report on key performance indicators. Monitor compliance and take a lead role in corrective action planning.
· Lead continuous improvement projects and evidence‑based service improvement initiatives.
· Monitor outcomes and evaluate the effectiveness of changes to service delivery.
· Ensure compliance with HIQA, New Directions and all relevant legislation, standards and statutory requirements.
· Prepare and submit timely regulatory notifications and reports; act as senior point of contact for regulatory engagement.
· Provide governance support to the Quality & Safety and Audit & Risk Committees of the Board, and various internal Committees.
· Lead policy development and review to reflect best practice and regulatory expectations.
· Oversee incident management, serious incident reviews and learning‑from‑practice processes.
· Provide expert guidance on risk assessment, mitigation and escalation.
· Work with Service Managers to translate quality frameworks into operational practice.
· Support managers with implementation of corrective actions and improvement plans.
· Line‑manage quality and audit staff to build capability across the organisation.
· Produce regular, concise reports for SMT and Board on quality, compliance and risk performance.
· Represent the organisation at external forums and with statutory bodies.
Essential:
· Level 8 Degree in relevant discipline (e.g. Social Care, Psychology, Nursing, Quality Assurance or equivalent experience)
· Minimum 5 years’ experience in intellectual disability or related services; at least 3 years in a significant management role.
· A strong knowledge of HIQA and New Directions regulations and standards and all relevant legislation.
· Proven experience of leading quality, audit and compliance functions in regulated health or social care settings.
· Strong analytical and report‑writing skills; ability to present complex information clearly.
· Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
· Sound judgement and evidence‑based decision making.
· Project management and change‑leadership capability.
· High level of technical competence in policy development, audit methodology and KPI design.
· Excellent IT skills with a high proficiency in Excel
Desirable:
· Master’s Degree in Quality/Governance/Compliance/Business/Risk
Benefits:
· HSE Consolidated Pay Scales
· National Federation Voluntary Bodies Pension Scheme
· Employee Wellbeing Initiatives
· Refer a Friend Scheme
· Christmas Savings Club
· Excellent training opportunities
· Staff Education Loans and Paid Study Leave
· Bike to Work Scheme
· Enhanced Annual Leave
· Paid Maternity and Adoptive Leave * eligibility criteria
· Sick Pay Scheme * eligibility criteria
Salary: As per HSE Grade VIII pay scale
Closing Date: 5pm Friday 24th July 2026
Pay: €82,250.00-€99,203.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Employee assistance program
- Sick pay
- Wellness program
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Newcastle, County Wicklow
