15 October 2026
The Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) is seeking an exceptional individual to become its next Chief Executive.
RQIA is Northern Ireland’s independent regulator of health and social care services. Its role is to provide assurance about the quality and availability of services, encourage improvement, and promote the safety and wellbeing of people who use health and social care services.
At a time of significant transformation across the health and social care system, we are looking for a visible, values-based leader who can inspire confidence, foster a culture of openness and learning, and lead with compassion, integrity and courage.
The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership to RQIA, ensuring the organisation continues to fulfil its statutory responsibilities while driving continuous improvement in the quality and safety of services across Northern Ireland.
An authentic and trusted leader, the Chief Executive will build effective relationships across a complex stakeholder landscape, support organisational and cultural transformation, and champion a culture that is safe, compassionate, just and continually focused on learning and improvement.
As Accounting Officer, the Chief Executive will uphold the highest standards of governance, accountability and public stewardship, ensuring resources are used effectively and transparently in support of RQIA’s mission.
Key Information
Location: Belfast, with regular travel throughout Northern Ireland and occasional travel across the UK, the Republic of Ireland and beyond as required.
Salary: Senior Executive Level 3 (£129,605-£160,491 per annum) (Senior Executive Pay Scale)
Closing Date: Monday 2 November 2026 at 5.00pm
Apply
Applications should be submitted through the HSC recruitment website:
🔗 https://jobs.hscni.net/
Further Information
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact:
Briege Donaghy
Tel: 028 9536 1111
Email: briege.donaghy@rqia.org.uk
RQIA is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.