The Role of an NHS Band 8C Deputy Director of Quality: Importance, Salary & Overview
The Deputy Director of Quality at NHS Band 8C plays a critical leadership role in ensuring patient safety, clinical excellence, and regulatory compliance. Operating within the senior leadership team, this position supports the Director of Quality in shaping and implementing strategy, managing governance frameworks, leading on continuous improvement initiatives, and overseeing service quality across departments.
Typical responsibilities include driving Clinical Governance, leading audits, managing risk and incident reporting, working closely with Care Quality Commission (CQC) requirements, and supporting learning from serious incidents. The Deputy Director often collaborates with clinicians, executives, and patient representatives to foster a culture of high-quality care.
The salary for a Band 8C position (as of the 2024/25 NHS pay scale) typically ranges from £70,417 to £81,138 annually, depending on experience and location, with access to generous pension and NHS benefits.
Below are 20 interview questions commonly asked for this role, along with sample answers and preparation tips to help you shine.
Tell us about your experience in managing clinical governance.
Answer: “I’ve led Clinical Governance frameworks for over 5 years, including overseeing policy updates, coordinating audits, and leading risk assessments. I’ve worked directly with multidisciplinary teams to ensure systems are robust and aligned with national guidelines.”
How do you ensure quality improvement across clinical and non-clinical services?
Answer: “I embed a continuous improvement culture by using tools such as PDSA cycles, Lean methodology, and regular KPI reviews. I ensure staff are trained in quality methods and engage patients in co-designing solutions.”
What’s your experience with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and inspections?
Answer: “I’ve led preparation for multiple CQC inspections, ensuring documentation, training, and governance evidence were ready. I’ve also actioned post-inspection recommendations, achieving ‘Good’ and ‘Outstanding’ ratings in several domains.”
How do you manage performance and accountability at a senior level?
Answer: “I use clear KPIs, hold regular review meetings, and promote accountability through transparent data dashboards. I mentor teams to build a proactive approach to meeting and exceeding targets.”
How do you deal with resistance to change in quality improvement initiatives?
Answer: “I build buy-in through early stakeholder engagement, clear communication of benefits, and celebrating quick wins. I also address concerns openly and adapt plans to meet the needs of different teams.”
Describe a time you led an investigation into a serious incident.
Answer: “I led a Level 2 investigation involving delayed cancer diagnosis. I ensured a thorough root cause analysis, supported affected staff and patients, and implemented systemic changes that improved referral pathways.”
How do you ensure the voice of patients is embedded in service delivery?
Answer: “I lead patient engagement forums and ensure complaints, compliments, and surveys feed into quality reports. I’ve also implemented patient representatives in governance committees.”
What frameworks do you use for risk management?
Answer: “I use the NHS Risk Management Framework and align with ISO 31000 principles. I maintain a live risk register, ensure board oversight, and review risk themes regularly.”
How do you stay up to date with national quality and safety standards?
Answer: “I subscribe to NICE, NHS England updates, and quality journals. I also attend NHS Leadership Academy webinars and network with peers across trusts.”
How do you measure the success of your quality initiatives?
Answer: “I use a balanced scorecard approach, tracking clinical outcomes, patient feedback, incident trends, and staff engagement. I also benchmark against national indicators.”
Describe your leadership style.
Answer: “I adopt a collaborative and empowering leadership style. I focus on coaching, inclusivity, and shared accountability while maintaining clear expectations.”
What role does data play in quality assurance?
Answer: “Data is foundational. I use it to detect trends, inform priorities, and track progress. I work closely with BI teams to ensure real-time, actionable dashboards.”
How do you ensure compliance with safeguarding standards?
Answer: “I work with safeguarding leads to ensure policies are up to date, mandatory training is completed, and incidents are escalated appropriately. I also audit safeguarding cases annually.”
Can you describe a successful project you’ve led in improving patient safety?
Answer: “I led a trust-wide falls reduction project, implementing multidisciplinary reviews and sensor technology. The initiative reduced falls by 25% over 12 months.”
How do you support learning from incidents and near misses?
Answer: “I chair incident review panels, ensure learning summaries are circulated, and promote a just culture. I also link learning to CPD and policy updates.”
What systems do you use for quality reporting?
Answer: “I’ve used Datix, Ulysses, and bespoke dashboards for incident and audit tracking. I ensure data is triangulated and aligned with board assurance frameworks.”
How do you manage competing priorities at a strategic level?
Answer: “I use matrix planning, RAG-rating priorities, and work collaboratively to align projects with corporate objectives. Regular communication with stakeholders helps prevent duplication.”
Describe how you mentor or support junior staff in quality roles.
Answer: “I offer structured mentorship, create shadowing opportunities, and support career development. I’ve also designed training modules on incident management and clinical audit.”
What is your approach to health inequalities in quality outcomes?
Answer: “I use demographic data to identify disparities, co-design solutions with community partners, and ensure EDI is a key theme in all quality programs.”
Why do you want this Deputy Director of Quality role in our Trust?
Answer: “Your Trust’s vision aligns with my values—particularly your emphasis on co-production and equity. I bring the strategic leadership and frontline insight to drive your quality goals forward.”
Final Thoughts: Interview Tips & Encouragement
Interviews for a Band 8C Deputy Director of Quality role are high-stakes and deeply strategic. Here are a few final tips:
Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure responses.
Prepare Trust-specific examples by researching their CQC reports, strategy, and values.
Demonstrate leadership, but always tie it back to patient outcomes and safety.
Stay calm, confident, and clear. This is your chance to show how you’ll lead with purpose.
Believe in your experience and the value you bring. With preparation, authenticity, and strategic insight, you can absolutely succeed in landing this impactful NHS leadership role.
