Consultant Clinical Operational And Governance

We are looking for an experienced consultant to join our team, supporting health and social care providers through periods of change, challenge and growth.

This is not a typical consultancy role. We work directly with providers, lenders, and commissioners on real operational issues, often in complex or high-pressure environments. The role demands someone confident in stepping into services, quickly assessing risk, and helping to stabilise and enhance processes.

The role

You will collaborate with our broader team, providing practical consultancy across a range of services. This includes:

• Undertaking mock inspections, audits, quality and financial reviews, identifying risks and translating these into clear, practical improvement plans.
• Supporting providers with operational oversight, governance and day-to-day service issues.
• Working directly with leadership teams to strengthen culture, compliance and systems.
• Supporting CQC registration processes and changes, or learning how to do so.
• Supporting investigations, including gathering information, conducting meetings and following appropriate HR processes.
• Contributing to turnaround and stabilisation work where required.

This is a varied role, and no two projects are the same. The role requires travel, so you must be able to drive, and there will be a requirement for occasional overnight stays depending on project location.

What we are looking for

We are particularly interested in individuals who bring:

• A clinical background, ideally a Registered Nurse. A current NMC registration is preferred, however we will consider those who have previously held a PIN or have a strong non-nursing background with relevant experience.
• Direct experience as a Registered Manager and/or Nominated Individual, with a clear understanding of what it takes to run and be accountable for a service.
• Strong experience in operations, governance and regulatory compliance, including working with the CQC.
• Confidence in carrying out inspections, audits and reviews, with the ability to take a strategic view as well as recognise detail.
• Experience or confidence in managing investigations and following HR processes, with a working knowledge of HR good practice.
• The ability to use initiative and deliver practical support to services, not just provide advice from a distance.
• A high level of professionalism and discretion. Our work can involve sensitive situations, including investigations, financial pressures and organisational risk, so confidentiality is essential.

We recognise that no one will meet every requirement, and we work as a team to support each other’s strengths.

Desirable:

• Experience within children’s services.
• Familiarity with Ofsted frameworks.
• Experience supporting registration processes or regulatory change.
• Turnaround or improvement experience.

About you

You will be someone who:

• Is credible with providers, managers and external stakeholders.
• Can walk into a service and quickly understand what is really going on.
• Is comfortable having honest conversations where needed.
• Produces work that is practical, proportionate and grounded in real experience.
• Maintains professionalism and discretion at all times, particularly when working in sensitive or high-risk environments.
• Enjoys variety and is comfortable working across different settings.
• Wants to be part of a team and contributes positively to how we work together.

Working with us

Cornerstone Care Solutions operates across adult and wider health services, supporting organisations nationwide. We are a close, experienced team and collaborate on projects.

We work differently to sole consultants. You will be part of a team, not working in isolation. We provide a strong support network, share knowledge and approach projects together. We also manage invoicing and back-office functions, so you can focus on the work itself.

Alongside project work, there will be opportunities to:

• Develop your consultancy skills and broaden your experience across different types of services.
• Expand your professional network across providers, commissioners and lenders.
• Access training and share learning across the team.
• Contribute ideas, shape how we work and influence our approach.
• Get involved in sector engagement, including public speaking, webinars and events where this is of interest.

This role offers a collaborative and supportive environment that is often missing in independent consultancy. It is a chance to be part of something, not just work alone, and to enjoy the work as part of a team.

We are not looking for someone who wants to sit in the background. We are looking for someone who can add value from day one and grow with us.

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