Head of Women's Health Governance and Assurance

Job summary

We are seeking an exceptional, compassionate and credible senior leader to join our Womens Health senior leadership team as Head of Womens Health Governance and Assurance. This is a pivotal role with the influence and authority to strengthen safety, quality, learning and assurance across maternity and gynaecology, while working closely with neonatal colleagues to support a joined-up perinatal approach. Maternity and neonatal services are operating in a period of unprecedented national scrutiny and reform. The expectations arising from recent independent reviews, the NHS Maternity and Neonatal 10 Point Plan, Care Quality Commission oversight and the Maternity (Perinatal) Incentive Scheme require visible leadership, robust evidence, rapid learning and clear Board assurance. The postholder will be central to ensuring that our services meet these standards, respond confidently to external review and, most importantly, translate learning into safer, equitable and consistently high-quality care for women, babies and families.

Main duties of the job

To provide leadership to the staff, functions and services managed and be accountable to the Director of Midwifery and Gynaecology. The post-holder works in strategic partnership with the Director of Midwifery and Gynaecology providing expert governance leadership on the strategic quality governance development in the division. To act as the divisional lead for the development, co-ordination and implementation of effective quality governance framework within the maternity and gynaecology service to ensure an integrated approach to patient safety and embedding a safety culture and early escalation of risks and issues. This will include an approach to quality and safety, risk management and the patient experience and will include a specific remit to ensure robust processes are in place to meet the services requirements for providing excellence in the delivery of care. To have a responsibility for the line management and performance of the Maternity, Risk and Gynaecology governance teams and associated budgets ensuring appropriate resource planning. The post holder will be responsible for budget setting, cost improvement planning, and financial control for governance, training and associated functions. Work closely with the Deputy Director of Midwifery, the quadrumvirate, and senior leadership teams to ensure the smooth and effective management of the maternity and gynaecology quality Governance framework

About us

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave; a national programme thats changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector. This means were working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives. Were a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.

Details

• Date posted: 19 October 2026
• Pay scheme: Agenda for change
• Band: Band 8c
• Salary: £79,504 to £91,609 a year
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full-time
• Reference number: 001271
• Job locations: The Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow, Essex, CM20 1QX, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

Head of Womens Health Governance and Assurance

Band 8c | Full-time | The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust

Working in close partnership with the Director of Midwifery and Gynaecology, Deputy Director of Midwifery, operational leaders, obstetric, neonatal and gynaecology medical teams, and corporate governance colleagues, you will provide strategic leadership for clinical governance, risk, patient safety, regulatory compliance and quality assurance. You will ensure that intelligence from incidents, complaints, claims, audit, outcomes and feedback is triangulated, acted upon and reported clearly through divisional, executive and Board governance routes.

The role also holds a significant education and training portfolio. You will lead the maternity education function, oversee delivery of the Core Competency Framework and multidisciplinary training requirements, and ensure that learning from reviews, investigations, audit and clinical practice directly informs workforce development. You will create the conditions in which staff are supported to learn, speak up and deliver evidence-based care.

What you will bring

• Current NMC registration as a midwife and substantial senior leadership experience in maternity services.
• Expert knowledge of maternity and perinatal governance, patient safety, risk management, regulation and national standards.
• A strong record of leading improvement, investigation, assurance and organisational learning across multidisciplinary services.
• The ability to interpret complex information, identify emerging risk and provide clear, credible assurance to senior leaders and the Board.
• Inclusive, compassionate and courageous leadership, with the confidence to challenge constructively and build effective partnerships.
• Experience of leading education and training, translating learning into sustainable improvements in practice.

This is an opportunity to shape the governance, assurance and learning infrastructure of Womens Health at a critical point in the national maternity and neonatal improvement journey. If you are a values-led leader who combines strategic insight with disciplined delivery, and you are committed to listening to women, families and staff, we would welcome your application.

Informal enquiries are welcomed. Please contact the Deputy Director of Midwifery and Gynaecology Katy Kay catherine.kay8@nhs.net , or current post-holder Emma Rose emma.rose34@nhs.net to discuss the role and our ambitions for the service.

Please be aware of these dates if you are considering applying:

3 November 2026 Advert closes

18 November 2026 Interviews