Mental Health

Mental Health Inspector – South West

Employer: Care Quality Commission (CQC)
Location: Home-based – South West
Salary: £42,044 per year (National)
London rate: £47,900 where applicable
Homeworking allowance: £600 per year
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 37 hours per week
Working pattern: Full-time, with flexible or compressed hours available
Closing date: Thursday 24 September 2026 at 11:59pm
Job reference: req3089
Sponsorship: Not available

About the Role

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is recruiting a Mental Health Inspector to join its Operations directorate.

This is a home-based role covering the South West, with regular travel required across the region and some travel across the wider South.

The successful candidate will help assess the quality and safety of mental health services, identify risks and support regulatory action that protects people and improves outcomes.

Location and Travel

Applications are being accepted from candidates based in the South West, covering:

• Hampshire
• Isle of Wight
• Dorset
• Bath
• Swindon
• Wiltshire

You must be able to travel regularly across the South West, with some travel across the wider South.

Important: CQC states that applications from candidates living outside the specified area cannot be progressed for this vacancy.

Key Responsibilities

As a Mental Health Inspector, you will:

• Plan and lead inspections and assessments of services.
• Conduct on-site visits and off-site reviews.
• Gather and evaluate evidence about service quality and safety.
• Analyse information from different sources to identify risks and concerns.
• Take proportionate regulatory action where necessary to protect people.
• Work with colleagues, providers, partners and other stakeholders.
• Use data, feedback and evidence to identify emerging risks.
• Support improvements in the delivery of mental health services.

Requirements / Person Specification

You should have:

• Experience working in or with inpatient and/or community mental health, learning disability or substance misuse services.
• Experience assessing quality, safety or outcomes for people using services.
• In-depth knowledge and practical understanding of the Mental Health Act (MHA) and Mental Capacity Act (MCA) and their Codes of Practice.
• Experience analysing information from different sources, including data, feedback and reports.
• The ability to use evidence to make informed decisions or recommendations.
• A strong commitment to improving the experience and care of detained patients.

Salary and Benefits

The salary is:

• £42,044 per year – National
• £47,900 per year – London rate, where applicable to London office-based or home-based workers within the M25
• £600 annual homeworking allowance for home-based employees

Part-time salaries and allowances are pro rata.

Benefits include:

• 27 days’ annual leave, increasing to 32.5 days with service.
• Bank holidays, usually 8 days per year.
• Training and professional development opportunities.
• Wellbeing initiatives.
• Gym discounts and other employee benefits.
• NHS Pension Scheme with an employer contribution of around 23.7%.
• Discount schemes and reward vouchers.
• Eligibility for a Blue Light Card, subject to the applicable fee.
• Car leasing options.

Working Pattern

This is a permanent, full-time position of 37 hours per week.

CQC is also open to discussing flexible or compressed working arrangements.

Although the role is home-based, regular travel throughout the South West and occasional travel across the wider South is required.

Visa / Right-to-Work

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Applicants must provide evidence of their right to work in the UK. Candidates without valid UK right-to-work permission will not be eligible.

This is particularly important for applicants currently outside the UK or those requiring employer sponsorship.

Application and Selection Process

Applications are submitted online through the CQC careers system.

You will need to:

1. Create a CQC candidate profile.
2. Complete the online application form.
3. Provide evidence of your relevant skills, knowledge and experience.
4. Demonstrate your suitability for the Mental Health Inspector position.

CQC states that applications are assessed anonymously and that every applicant will be contacted with the outcome.

Some roles may also require a satisfactory DBS check.

Important Note About AI-Assisted Applications

CQC allows candidates to use AI tools for purposes such as research, structuring and refining written applications.

However, your application must accurately represent your own skills and experience.

Applicants are advised not to copy and paste AI-generated answers or provide false examples. Applications containing false or insincere information may be withdrawn.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

CQC welcomes applications from people from a wide range of backgrounds and is committed to fairness, respect and inclusion.

The organisation is also a Disability Confident and Carer Confident employer.

Reasonable adjustments are available for candidates who require additional support during the recruitment process.

Deadline

Closing date: Thursday 24 September 2026 at 11:59pm.

Early application is recommended rather than waiting until the final day.

Full Details + Apply

For the official vacancy, job description and application process, use the CQC careers page.

Job reference: req3089
Position: Mental Health Inspector – South West
Employer: Care Quality Commission

FAQs

Is this Mental Health Inspector job home-based?

Yes. The position is home-based and region-specific, covering the South West. However, regular travel across the region is required.

What areas can apply?

CQC is accepting applications from candidates based in Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Dorset, Bath, Swindon and Wiltshire.

Is visa sponsorship available?

No. CQC specifically states that sponsorship is not available for this role.

How much does the role pay?

The national salary is £42,044 per year. A London rate of £47,900 applies where the stated London eligibility criteria are met. Home-based workers also receive a £600 annual homeworking allowance.

Is the position permanent?

Yes. This is a permanent position.

How many hours are required?

The standard working week is 37 hours, with flexible or compressed hours available for discussion.

Does the role involve travel?

Yes. Regular travel across the South West and some travel across the wider South is expected.

What experience is required?

Applicants should have relevant experience in inpatient or community mental health, learning disability or substance misuse services, including experience assessing quality, safety or outcomes.

What legislation knowledge is required?

The role requires in-depth knowledge and working understanding of the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act and their Codes of Practice.

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