Job overview
An exciting opportunity has become available for the position of Ward Manager on Saffron Ward.
Saffron Ward is 23 bedded ward for patients to be stepped down from the general hospital or stepped up from the community when suffering with a delirium who require a further period of assessment. Saffron Ward is for patients over the age of 65.
Saffron Ward aims to optimise older peoples health, wellbeing and independence through medical, nursing and therapy interventions.
The successful post holder will have excellent leadership and management skills and be committed to providing an inclusive environment where staff and patients are encouraged to thrive and reach their maximum potential.
Main duties of the job
The provision of effective clinical leadership to and management of ward staff.
•To maintain personal contact with patients, their relatives and carers. Being sensitive to their needs for respect, privacy and dignity and to act as the senior point of contact on the ward.
•To lead on the formulation of staff rotas to ensure the most effective use of manpower and resources in relation to service user need and ward activity.
•To lead on the monitoring of all staff sickness, in accordance with Trust policies.
•To ensure that all staff follow the guidelines identified in the Trust and National policies.
•To participate in the investigation of patient complaints, as per Trust Complaints procedure, aiming to settle complaints with local resolutions at ward level. When unable to do so, to communicate without delay to the Service Manager.
•To assist in ensuring that all clinical equipment is correctly maintained and that all appropriate staff are competent in its correct application.
•To deputise for the Service Manager in their absence when requested
Working for our organisation
We are proud to provide high quality mental health and learning disability services, both inpatient and in the community across five boroughs of Greater Manchester - Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport and Tameside and Glossop.
Our vision is for a happier and more hopeful life for everyone in our communities and our staff work hard to deliver the very best care for the people who use our services. We’re really proud of our #PennineCarePeople and do everything we can to make sure we’re a great place to work.
All individuals regardless of race, age, disability, ethnicity, nationality, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership are encouraged to apply for this post. We would also encourage applications from individuals with a lived experience of mental illness, either individually or as a carer.
If you come and work for us we will offer a range of benefits and opportunities, including:
* Generous annual leave entitlement for Agenda for Change and Medical and Dental staff.
* Flexible working opportunities to support your work/life balance
* Access to Continued Professional Development
* Involvement in improvement and research activities
* Health and Wellbeing activities and access to an excellent staff wellbeing service
* Access to staff discounts across retail, leisure and travel
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The Ward Manager-Inpatients will provide a comprehensive and specialist mental health service to older people with both functional and organic illness within the inpatient service.
•To provide leadership and support to the inpatient nursing team, and to have responsibility for the management and co-ordination of the ward.
•To deliver a high standard of care to older people inpatient services users.
•To ensure the optimum level of safe and effective care within the allocated resources.
•To ensure the ward complies with all aspects of the Care Act 2014 and ensure the wards meet all the requirements of the Care Quality Commission (CQC)
The post will encompass both day and night duty, to support the delivery of inpatient services across the 24-hour period
Person specification
Education / Qualifications
Essential criteria
* •First level registration – Registered Nurse Adult, Registered Nurse Mental Health, Registered Nurse Learning Disabilities
* •Appropriate diploma or post registration equivalent.
* •Evidence of Continual Professional development
* •Preparation for mentorship
* •Training in management of violence and aggression
Desirable criteria
* •Educated to degree level
* •Training in psychosocial interventions
* •ECDL
Experience
Essential criteria
* •People management experience
* •Experience at Band 6 and evidence of appropriate clinical management experience.
* •Experience of working in acute mental health settings
Desirable criteria
* Experience of working in a range of mental health settings
Knowledge
Essential criteria
* Good understanding of Mental Illness.
* •Knowledge of treatments and interventions appropriate for older individuals with acute mental health needs
* •Ability to demonstrate working knowledge of the Mental Health Act and CPA process.
* •Knowledge of current policy and guidance in relation to the development of Older People’s Mental Health Services.
* •Understanding of confidentiality and data protection issues.
Skills and Abilities
Essential criteria
* Ability to manage and implement change
* Ability to provide leadership to the ward team and work within a management team framework
* Ability to supervise and support qualified and unqualified staff on the ward in relation to managing complex clients
* Ability to manage staff and work with HR to manage disciplinary matters
* Ability to supervise staff, set standards, monitor performance and enable staff to personally develop
* Ability to provide a high level of professional expertise in the care of clients with complex needs.
* Ability to provide appropriate education and training to qualified and unqualified staff as appropriate.
* Good verbal and written communication skills, with emphasis on complex and sensitive information
* information Ability to complete the appropriate documentation.
* Good social skills and have a positive attitude within the team and when dealing with service users, staff, carers, visitors and the public.
* Ability to undertake a full range of physical interventions e.g. moving and handling to support people’s personal care needs and MVA
* Ability to demonstrate effective time management and disciplined self-organisation
* Ability to value diversity and respond constructively to discriminatory behaviour
Work Related Circumstances
Essential criteria
* Ability and willingness to work within the 24-hour shift system, including day and night shifts.
* Ability to work unsocial hours including evenings and weekends
* Use of a car or access to a means of mobility to travel across the Trust footprint in line with service needs
* Willing to carry out all duties and responsibilities of the post in accordance with the Trust’s Equal Opportunities and Equality and Diversity policies
* Appointments to regulated and controlled activities require an enhanced DBS disclosure
📝 Application support - We recommend tailoring your application to each role you apply for, particularly your supporting information. This gives you the best chance of success. Your supporting information should clearly explain, with examples, how your skills and experience meet the essential and desirable criteria for the role.
We understand that some candidates may use AI tools to help prepare their application. This is not restricted, however, any AI support should only be used to enhance your own writing and must reflect your genuine skills and experience. You will be asked to talk about your application at interview. Applications that contain false or misleading information may be removed from the recruitment process.
We also offer virtual application support sessions each month, where you will learn some hints and tips to support you in completing your application form. To secure your place, and to find out more visit the on our website.
🌍 Sponsorship Information - We are an approved sponsoring organisation. Applications will be considered from applicants requiring sponsorship alongside all other applications. Please be aware, not all roles are eligible for sponsorship. You can review the list of eligible role and requirements on the
📬 After You Apply - Once your application is submitted, you’ll receive updates via email. Shortlisting is based on how well you meet the criteria outlined in the person specification. Only shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview, and invitations will be sent by email.
✅ If You're Offered the Role - If successful, the hiring manager will contact you directly with a verbal offer. They will then notify the Recruitment Team and submit the necessary paperwork. You’ll receive a formal conditional offer via email
🔍 Pre-Employment Checks - To confirm your suitability for the role, we will carry out pre-employment checks in line with. These include:
* Identity verification
* Right to work check
* Disclosure and barring service (DBS)/Criminal record check (dependent on role)
* Professional registration and/or qualification check
* Occupational health assessment
* Employment history and reference validation
All applicants external to Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust will be required to provide their to cover the most recent three years employment. This information will used to validate employment history and references.
If you require sponsorship, we will assess your eligibility based on current If the role is not eligible and you cannot demonstrate your right to work, your conditional offer may be withdrawn.
🚀 Once Checks Are Complete -
The Recruitment Team will coordinate with you and the hiring manager to confirm a start date. You’ll be booked onto a Trust Welcome Session and receive your Pennine Care NHS Terms and Conditions.
📣 Additional Information -
We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds to help us grow, innovate, and improve.
If you wish to be considered under the Disability Confident Scheme, you will be guaranteed an interview if you meet the essential criteria for the role.
If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact us on 0161 716 3181 as early as possible so we can support you.
Please note:
* We do not accept unsolicited contact from recruitment agencies. Hiring managers should not be contacted directly.
* We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. If you have a disability or long‑term health condition and need extra time or adjustments to complete your application, please contact us as soon as possible. We will ensure you are not disadvantaged where a reasonable adjustment is appropriate.