Programme Lead – CQC Registered Mental Health Service

Ashberry recruitment are currently seeking an experienced Programme Lead to join a CQC-registered mental health residential service and lead an ambitious programme of quality improvement and transformation.

This is a senior leadership role, working alongside the Registered Manager and Head of Service to drive improvements across the service, ensuring the delivery of safe, effective, compassionate and person-centred care. The successful candidate will play a key role in strengthening governance, improving quality standards and supporting the service in achieving an outstanding CQC rating.

You will provide strategic oversight across service performance, regulatory compliance, safeguarding, workforce development and continuous improvement, helping to embed a culture of learning, accountability and excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and deliver a service improvement programme focused on achieving and sustaining high CQC standards.
• Support the Registered Manager with regulatory compliance, quality assurance and service performance.
• Develop and embed effective governance, audit and improvement frameworks.
• Drive improvements across safeguarding, risk management, incident learning and service user outcomes.
• Lead workforce development initiatives, supporting a positive culture and strong professional standards.
• Promote psychologically informed, recovery-focused and trauma-informed approaches.
• Build strong relationships with commissioners, regulators, health professionals and external partners.
• Monitor performance data, audits and feedback to identify areas for improvement.

About You:
We are looking for an experienced health and social care leader with a strong background within CQC-regulated services, ideally within mental health residential care, supported living or complex care environments.

You will have experience of leading improvement, managing quality standards and working with regulatory frameworks. This role would suit someone with experience as a:

• Registered Manager
• Senior Registered Manager
• Operations Manager
• Regional Manager
• Quality Improvement Manager
• Compliance/Governance Manager
• Service Improvement Lead

Essential Experience:

• Experience working within a CQC-registered service.
• Strong understanding of CQC regulations, inspections and quality standards.
• Experience leading service improvement and organisational change.
• Experience managing safeguarding, risk, audits and compliance processes.
• Proven ability to lead and influence teams at a senior level.
• Experience within mental health, residential care, supported living or complex needs services.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced CQC professional looking to take a strategic leadership role and make a significant impact on service quality, culture and outcomes.