Quality Improvement Lead

NHS Scotland:

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. To this end, NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.

Note that this post is only open to internal staff of NHS Ayrshire & Arran.

Who we are:

NHS Ayrshire and Arran are one of 14 territorial NHS Boards within NHS Scotland.

In support of our core purpose of Working together to achieve the healthiest life possible for everyone in Ayrshire and Arran, we are committed to a culture that is Caring, Safe, and Respectful. You will be required to work collaboratively in a safe, caring and respectful way.

To find out more about NHS Ayrshire and Arran please visit our website - NHS Ayrshire & Arran - Home (nhsaaa.net)

Position:

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Quality Improvement Lead based at University Hospital Crosshouse. This post is offered on a secondment basis until 1st December 2026.

Hours:

36 hours per week.

From 1 April 2026, the working week for NHS Agenda for Change staff in Scotland will be reduced. Full-time hours will reduce from 37 to 36 hours (pro rata for part-time staff) without loss of earnings.

UK Driving Licence:

A UK driving licence is essential for this role.

What you will do:

We are seeking an enthusiastic, self‑motivated individual with specialist Quality Improvement (QI) expertise to support and lead improvement programmes across healthcare services, driving sustainable, meaningful change.

As a senior member of the Clinical and Care Governance Unit, you will:

• Lead and manage the Acute Quality Improvement Team, ensuring effective use of resources
• Work closely with senior management teams and senior clinical leaders
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams at ward and departmental level
• Play a key role in shaping and delivering QI education across NHS Ayrshire & Arran

This is a unique opportunity to influence the development of quality improvement approaches that underpin the delivery of safe, effective and person‑centred care.

About You

We are looking for someone who can demonstrate:

• Strong communication and engagement skills, with the ability to work confidently with teams at all levels
• The ability to work independently, using initiative to drive improvement
• A recognised Quality Improvement qualification and/or significant experience in a QI‑related field
• Strong IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications

If you are passionate about improving care, skilled in leading change, and eager to support teams in delivering high‑quality services, we would love to hear from you.

For further information on the role please click the link below to view the job description.

Knowledge, training and/or experience required for this post:

• Educated to Master’s degree level or equivalent
• Educated in quality improvement at post graduate level
• Demonstrable evidence of CPD
• Proven record of leading quality improvement work
• Evidence of demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to facilitate these in others
• Evidence of developing innovative and creative solutions to achieve organisation objectives
• Experience in managing large, complex projects and initiatives
• Significant experience of working closely with NHS and other national quality bodies
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills which will enable effective negotiation, influencing and involvement in clinical improvement
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills
• Experience of using quality improvement methodology
• Experience of managing programmes/projects
• Change management experience
• Computer literate with an advanced knowledge in the use of Microsoft Office Software packages including a knowledge of MS Publisher and MS Access.
• Excellent interpersonal skills including diplomacy and discretion
• Excellent problem solving and analytical skills
• Excellent written and verbal communications

For further information on the requirements for the role please click the link below to view the person specification.

If you are interested in joining our team, and would value an informal discussion about the post, please contact Claire Mavin, Head of Clinical and Care Governance. Email: Claire.mavin2@aapct.scot.nhs.uk

Right to Work / Certificates of Sponsorship

To work in the United Kingdom, there is a legal requirement for an individual to demonstrate that they have the relevant permission to work in the country. This permission is, without exception, granted by the UK Visa and Immigrations Service. Further information on what NHS Scotland Boards are required to do to check this as well as what your responsibilities include can be found within the attached Candidate Information Pack.

It is essential that you have checked that you either already have an appropriate right to work in the UK or that the post would be eligible to be sponsored before submitting your application form.

NHS Ayrshire & Arran may be able to offer visa sponsorship for certain roles, provided the post meets the minimum salary threshold and any other required criteria. When considering if a post meets the salary threshold for sponsorship, please note the salary advertised is based on a full-time contract and must be pro-rated for part-time positions. Sponsorship is not guaranteed and is assessed on a case-by-case basis following interview and at the commencement of pre-employment checks.

Please visit here for further information.

We are unable to provide sponsorship for Band 2 posts or bank contracts.

Additional Information for Candidates

• You should apply for this post by completing the application process on NHS Jobs Scotland.
• DO NOT upload a CV as this will not be used for shortlisting purposes.
• Posts close at midnight on the indicated date. Late applications will not be accepted.
• For help to complete an application on NHS Jobs Scotland, please follow this link: https://www.careers.nhs.scot/how-to-apply/application-process/
• To view our accessibility statement, please follow this link: https://www.eess.nhs.scot/jobtrain-accessibility-statement/
• Please note that our correspondence method is by email, therefore please ensure you enter your email address accurately.
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• Once you have submitted your application form you will be unable to make any amendments.
• Some of our vacancies are for internal candidates only. If you are a staff member, please ensure you update your NHS Jobs Scotland account profile to reflect that you are employed by NHS Ayrshire and Arran.
• Please note, for all vacancies where a driving licence is required this must be a full UK/EU/EEA licence.