Behind every CQC ‘Outstanding’ rating or turnaround success story is a dedicated Quality Manager or Director. In elderly care, quality isn’t just an outcome, it’s a mindset, a standard, and a mission. As quality demands rise, so too does the need for recruitment partners who understand what exceptional looks like.

The evolving nature of quality roles in elderly care

Today’s quality leaders don’t just audit, they lead. They drive cultural change, develop governance strategy, and equip frontline managers to sustain performance. Our recruitment approach reflects this.

Compass Associates match providers with professionals who bring:

  • Strong clinical and compliance knowledge
  • People-first leadership styles
  • Experience with regional frameworks and multi-site oversight

“We look for candidates who’ve improved services, not just inspected them.” – Tom Berrisford, Divisional Director.

Salary benchmarking for the role of Quality Manager 

According to Compass Associates’ FY26 salary benchmarking report:

  • Quality Managers: £53,000 – £70,000
  • Head of Quality / Quality Directors: £70,000 – £79,000+

London and North West regions command the highest average salaries, driven by provider size and CQC expectations.

Download our salary benchmarking report

Compass Associates support elderly care providers with Quality Manager recruitment across the UK

Whether hiring a Group Quality Manager or a turnaround expert, our consultants:

  • Define core KPIs and cultural fit
  • Leverage a nationwide talent map
  • Assess leadership approach, not just technical skill

We also provide post-placement feedback to ensure our Quality hires stay and succeed. Providers preparing for inspection, recovering from enforcement, or aiming for ‘Outstanding’ ratings come to Compass Associates because we:

  • Understand the link between recruitment and regulation
  • Have placed Quality Managers and Quality Directors in over 50 national and regional groups
  • Offer advisory support throughout the hiring lifecycle


Looking for recruitment support?

Compass Associates is proud to be the trusted choice for providers seeking high-calibre Quality Managers and Directors.

Our Elderly Care team specialises in nationwide recruitment for senior management roles across residential care, homecare, retirement living, nursing, and clinical services.

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