The role of an NHS Band 9 Chief Governance Officer is critical in ensuring the safety, quality, and compliance of healthcare services across the NHS. This senior leadership position involves overseeing governance frameworks, risk management, and regulatory compliance to drive continuous improvement. With an average salary ranging between £90,000 and £110,000 per annum, this role demands not only exceptional management skills but also strategic vision and deep knowledge of healthcare policies. If you’re preparing for an interview for this prestigious role, understanding the types of questions you might face and how to answer them effectively is key.
Here are 20 common interview questions for the NHS Band 9 Chief Governance Officer role, along with tailored answers to help you stand out:
What experience do you have in healthcare governance and risk management?
Answer: I have over 10 years’ experience managing governance structures within NHS trusts, focusing on risk assessment, policy development, and compliance monitoring to ensure patient safety and service quality.
How do you ensure compliance with healthcare regulations and standards?
Answer: I establish robust audit frameworks, conduct regular staff training, and maintain close communication with regulatory bodies like CQC to ensure ongoing adherence to all relevant standards.
Can you describe a time you led a successful quality improvement initiative?
Answer: At my previous trust, I led a cross-departmental team to reduce medication errors by 30% over 12 months by revising protocols and introducing staff awareness campaigns.
How do you handle conflicts between governance requirements and operational pressures?
Answer: I prioritize patient safety and regulatory compliance while working collaboratively with operational leaders to find sustainable solutions that meet both governance and service delivery needs.
What strategies do you use to promote a culture of transparency and accountability?
Answer: I advocate open communication, implement clear reporting lines, and ensure incidents are investigated fairly with lessons shared across the organisation.
How do you stay updated on changes in NHS governance and health policy?
Answer: I regularly attend professional forums, subscribe to NHS updates, and engage with peer networks to keep abreast of evolving governance practices and policies.
Describe your experience managing a multidisciplinary governance team.
Answer: I have led teams of clinical and non-clinical governance professionals, fostering collaboration and continuous professional development to enhance team performance.
How do you manage stakeholder relationships, including with regulators and board members?
Answer: I maintain proactive, transparent communication and provide clear, data-driven reports to support informed decision-making at all levels.
What role does data play in your governance approach?
Answer: Data is central to identifying risks, monitoring performance, and guiding improvement initiatives through evidence-based decision-making.
How do you approach incident investigation and learning?
Answer: I ensure thorough, impartial investigations are conducted promptly, with findings used to implement practical changes and prevent recurrence.
Can you discuss your familiarity with NHS Integrated Care Systems (ICS) and governance?
Answer: I have worked closely with ICS partners to align governance frameworks, ensuring seamless quality and safety oversight across multiple organisations.
How do you balance strategic leadership with operational governance duties?
Answer: I delegate operational tasks effectively while focusing on long-term governance strategy, ensuring alignment with organisational goals.
What experience do you have in managing financial governance risks?
Answer: I collaborate with finance teams to monitor budgets, ensure compliance with financial controls, and address risks proactively.
How do you embed patient and public involvement in governance?
Answer: I promote inclusion through advisory panels, regular consultations, and transparent communication to ensure patient voices inform governance decisions.
Describe a challenging governance issue you resolved.
Answer: I led the resolution of a major compliance breach by coordinating a rapid response team, revising protocols, and securing board support for corrective action.
How do you ensure continuous professional development within your team?
Answer: I implement tailored training plans, encourage professional accreditation, and create mentoring opportunities to maintain high governance standards.
What is your experience with digital governance and information security?
Answer: I have overseen the implementation of data protection policies, GDPR compliance, and cybersecurity risk assessments.
How do you measure the effectiveness of governance frameworks?
Answer: Through key performance indicators, audit results, and feedback mechanisms, I track progress and adjust strategies as needed.
What motivates you in the role of Chief Governance Officer?
Answer: I am driven by the opportunity to improve patient safety and quality of care through strong governance leadership.
How do you handle pressure and competing priorities?
Answer: I prioritize tasks based on risk impact, delegate when appropriate, and maintain clear communication with stakeholders to manage expectations.
Preparing well for these questions will give you a confident edge. Remember to use specific examples from your experience, focus on outcomes, and align your answers with NHS values.
Interview coaching tips:
Research the specific NHS Trust and its current challenges.
Practice clear, concise, and structured answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
Demonstrate leadership, strategic thinking, and commitment to patient safety.
Prepare insightful questions to ask the interview panel.
Stay calm, be authentic, and show enthusiasm for the role.
Good luck with your NHS Band 9 Chief Governance Officer interview—your preparation will help you shine and secure this influential leadership position!
