Chief Executive

The Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) invites applications for the position of Chief Executive

RQIA is the independent Regulator of health and social care services in Northern Ireland. RQIA's primary duties include keeping the Department of Health informed about the availability and quality of health and social care services in Northern Ireland, encompassing services delivered by both Health and Social Care organisations and independent sector providers. RQIA also has a duty to encourage improvement in the quality of services. Since 2009, RQIA has assumed the role of the Mental Health Commission as outlined in the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986. RQIA publishes its reports to inform service users and the public of its findings and actions in relation to quality and safety of services.

Health and social care services in Northern Ireland are undergoing significant transformation. In this complex and evolving environment, RQIA is seeking an exceptional leader who can inspire confidence, foster a culture of openness and learning, and lead with compassion, integrity and courage.

The Chief Executive will provide visible, values-based leadership to RQIA, fostering a culture that is safe and compassionate, just and open, and continually learning and improving, instilling high quality standards. An authentic and trusted leader, they will inspire confidence across the health and social care system through compassionate leadership, collective accountability and a commitment to openness and candour. They will create an environment where staff feel valued, supported and psychologically safe to speak up, challenge constructively and contribute to improvement. They will be an active listener and place value on the voices of patients, families and service users as a vital driver of quality and safety. The successful candidate will build strong and influential relationships across a complex stakeholder landscape, lead organisational and cultural transformation with curiosity and resilience, and ensure RQIA continues to fulfil its statutory responsibilities with integrity, transparency and a relentless focus on improving outcomes for the people in Northern Ireland. As Accounting Officer, the Chief Executive will uphold the highest standards of governance, integrity and accountability, ensuring that public resources are used effectively and transparently in support of RQIA's mission to improve the quality and safety of health and social care services across Northern Ireland.

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)

For further information, please contact Briege Donaghy on or by email:

To submit your application, click the apply icon.

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is Monday 2 November 2026 at 5:00pm.

THE RQIA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER.