Visa sponsorship information
East London NHS Foundation Trust is pleased to offer a Certificate of Sponsorship to eligible international candidates for this Chief Quality Officer position. If you’re an experienced healthcare professional looking to relocate to the UK, this could be your opportunity to join our innovative team.
About the role
East London NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an outstanding and values-driven Executive leader to join us as our new Chief Quality Officer. We want someone who is passionate about continuous quality improvement, meaningful co-production, and reducing health inequalities, and who can provide visible, credible leadership across our diverse organisation.
Our trust strategy 2021-26 commits us to improving quality of life for all. This means improving the overall health of the communities we serve, alongside delivering the highest quality care, excellent staff experience, and good value for money. As the first Marmot Trust in the country, we actively look to work “beyond the hospital walls” to make our bit of the world a fairer place to live and work, and to support our populations to thrive.
To do so, we are reliant on our organisational treasures – these are quality improvement, people participation, clinical and care professional leadership, our kind and caring staff, and our commitment to inclusivity. The Chief Quality Officer will be front and centre in helping us to continue this important work.
Key responsibilities
The Chief Quality Officer (CQO) role is central to our ability to meet these challenges and deliver on our vision. The portfolio spans a broad range of functions that shape how we design and deliver care and how we use data and insight to improve outcomes.
The role includes:
- Co-leading strategy and planning
- Oversight of quality, safety and performance
- Leadership of data, analytics and intelligence
- Embedding a quality management system (QMS) that reduces unwarranted variation, supports intelligent use of data, applies consistent improvement methodologies and ensures quality is systematically designed into everything we do
This is a role for a leader who can build on strong foundations, sustain momentum, and take quality and improvement to the next level across services, places and systems.
About our organisation
ELFT provides a wide range of community and inpatient services for children, young people, adults of working age, older adults and forensic services across two Integrated Care Systems and six-placed based systems, serving diverse populations across the City of London and the London Boroughs of Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets, and Luton, Bedford and Central Bedfordshire.
We are proud to be a high-performing, clinically led and service user driven Trust with a strong culture of continuous improvement and a deep commitment to delivering high quality, equitable care. As the first NHS Marmot Trust, we are proud to act as an anchor institution – tackling the wider determinants of health and championing inclusion across Bedfordshire, Luton and East London.
Person specification
Clinical or operational experience
Essential: Experience in a senior clinical / care professional or operational role within healthcare, and ideally in an NHS Trust.
Desirable: Research position / affiliation.
Academic achievement
Essential: Degree Level Education.
Desirable: Masters degree or further academic qualifications in a related field; Published research or quality work, of national or international significance; experience in peer-review process.
Knowledge and experience
Essential: Expertise in quality improvement techniques and their application in varied clinical settings, aligned to ELFT’s method and approach (model for improvement); Improvement advisor, certified through the Institute for Healthcare Improvement; Experience of improving organisational performance through implementing a systematic approach to quality improvement; Experience of design and delivery of large-scale quality improvement programmes, that have achieved demonstrable results in large, complex organisations/systems; Extensive experience of teaching, designing educational and learning programmes, and coaching; Experience in working with executive teams and Boards; Knowledge of the NHS performance frameworks and approach. Experience of applying improvement methods to performance topics.
Management knowledge and experience
Essential: Experience of senior management in a clinical organisation; Budget management.
What we offer
We offer a competitive salary package that depends on experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package. The successful candidate will receive a Certificate of Sponsorship to work in the UK, assistance with the visa application process, and support with relocation.
Our organisation is committed to equal opportunities and diversity. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.
Visa and relocation support
For candidates requiring sponsorship, we provide:
- Certificate of Sponsorship for skilled worker visa
- Guidance through the visa application process
- Relocation package and support
- Assistance with finding accommodation in London
Please note that from 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants applying for entry clearance into the UK must present a criminal record certificate from each country where they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement.
How to apply
To apply for this position, please follow these steps:
- Visit the East London NHS Foundation Trust website
- Create an account on the NHS Jobs portal if you don’t already have one
- Complete the online application form with all required information
- Upload your CV and cover letter highlighting your relevant experience
- Provide details of your qualifications and professional registrations
- Submit your application before the closing date of 31 January 2026
For questions about the job, contact Peter Mason at peter.mason@odgers.com. For general visa sponsorship inquiries, please mention this in your application or contact email.
Important notes for international applicants
Before applying, please ensure you meet the following requirements:
- Verify your eligibility for a UK skilled worker visa
- Ensure you have the required professional registration for your field in the UK
- Prepare criminal record certificates from all countries where you’ve lived for 12+ months in the past 10 years
- Gather documentation for your qualifications and work experience
While we offer sponsorship, final approval is subject to UK Visas and Immigration requirements. We recommend consulting the official UK government website for the most current immigration information.
About London
London offers a vibrant, multicultural environment with excellent transport links, world-class healthcare facilities, and diverse communities. As one of the world’s most international cities, London provides a welcoming environment for healthcare professionals from around the globe.
The East London location offers affordable living options compared to central London, while still providing easy access to all the benefits the capital has to offer. The area has excellent transport connections and is home to a rich mix of cultures and communities.
Interview process
Interviews are scheduled for the week commencing 23 February 2026. The interview process will include:
- Presentation on quality improvement leadership
- Panel interview with senior leaders
- Scenario-based exercises
- Opportunity to meet the team
Shortlisted candidates will be notified by email and given at least 7 days’ notice of the interview date.
Professional registration in the UK
Applicants must have current UK professional registration where applicable. For further information, please see the NHS Careers website.
For international healthcare professionals, the process of obtaining UK registration should be started as soon as possible, as this can take several months depending on your profession and country of qualification.
Contact information
For questions about the job, contact:
Peter Mason
Consultant, Odgers Executive Resourcing
Email: peter.mason@odgers.com
Phone: Not provided
Privacy notice
East London NHS Foundation Trust is committed to protecting your personal data. For information about how we process your personal data, please see our privacy notice.
Equal opportunities
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We are particularly keen to receive applications from candidates who reflect the diversity of our local communities and who can bring an understanding of the challenges faced by our populations.
We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their background.
Supporting documents
The following supporting documents are available for download:
We recommend reviewing these documents carefully before completing your application.
Apply instructions
To apply for this position, please follow these steps:
- Visit the East London NHS Foundation Trust website
- Create an account on the NHS Jobs portal if you don’t already have one
- Complete the online application form with all required information
- Upload your CV and cover letter highlighting your relevant experience
- Provide details of your qualifications and professional registrations
- Submit your application before the closing date of 31 January 2026
For questions about the job, contact Peter Mason at peter.mason@odgers.com. For general visa sponsorship inquiries, please mention this in your application or contact email.
Visa note
All international candidates must meet UK visa requirements and provide necessary documentation including criminal record certificates from countries of residence for 12+ months in the past 10 years. The Certificate of Sponsorship will be provided upon successful offer, subject to UK Visas and Immigration approval.
Additional information
East London NHS Foundation Trust is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all staff are treated with dignity and respect. We are an Equal Opportunities employer and positively encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of their background.
This role offers an excellent opportunity for an experienced leader to make a significant impact on healthcare quality in East London. The successful candidate will join a dynamic team dedicated to improving patient outcomes and reducing health inequalities.
The Trust values continuous professional development and offers opportunities for further training and career progression. We are particularly interested in candidates who can demonstrate innovative approaches to quality improvement and who share our commitment to co-production and patient-centered care.
For further information about the role or our organisation, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We look forward to receiving your application.