Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Charge Nurse - Ardleigh Ward
The closing date is 11 November 2025
Are you an experienced Mental Health Nurse looking for the next step in your career?
If so, we might just have the role for you!
We have an exciting opportunity for a Deputy Ward Manager at Ardleigh Ward who can bring fresh ideas, determination and commitment to join us in taking our service forward in new and innovative ways. The role is based in our Ardleigh mental health female acute ward at The Lakes, Colchester.
The successful candidate will be:
* A competent practitioner with a proven record of leadership skills as a RMH Nurse
* Able to take responsibility for the overseeing assessments of care needs and the development, implementation and evaluation of programmes of care for client requiring treatment.
* Responsible for ensuring safe staffing across the wards
At EPUT we offer you Training and development opportunities to support through regular supervision and Appraisals to assist you in setting realistic objectives.
Main duties of the job
You will be able to demonstrate:
* Communicate effectively, both written and verbally
* Demonstrate compassion, understanding, commitment, enthusiasm, and above all be highly motivated
* An understanding of the Recovery Model approach is essential, taking into account the needs of families and carer's, and become part of an established multidisciplinary team
* A high level of knowledge and philosophy of the 6 C's of care
* Active participation will be required in the training and education of learners allocated to the Mental Health Service, and to encourage integration between the Ward Team and the Crisis Resolution Home Treatment Team
* Delivery of the highest quality care for all our patients with acute mental health issues; with a positive attitude and a commitment to maintain EPUT's excellent customer care
About us
Valuing you. Recognising your dedication. At EPUT, we look after you.
* Receive supervision and support to help you fulfil your potential.
* Join an inclusive EPUT community and connect with others through engagement events and equality or champion networks.
* If you need help, we provide mental health and wellbeing services, occupational health advice and counselling.
* We run recognition awards to recognise staff's hard work and dedication
* 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years' service.
* Excellent pension of up to 14.5% of your pensionable pay.
* Staff discounts include Blue Light Card, NHS discount offers, and staff benefits.
* £8K relocation package if you move to Essex to join us
* Season ticket loans are interest‑free to cover the cost of travelling to and from work via tram, rail, or bus.
Work that wraps around your needs
* Work bank: You can use the opportunity to supplement your income and develop your skills by working bank shifts.
* Flexible working: available from day one for most roles.
* Job share: Applications for job shares are welcomed.
Job responsibilities
The responsibilities of the role are split between Key and Core Clinical Functions with a selection listed below. Please find full list of responsibilities within the attached Job Description.
Key responsibilities of the role:
* Responsible for the clinical leadership of a team of nurses in an Acute setting
* Responsible for the assessment implementation and evaluation of care plans for individual service users
* To assist the Ward Manager in setting and maintaining high standards of care and evaluating quality outcomes
* Participate in a range of assessments provided during a 24 hour period
* To take charge of the unit in the absence of the person with continuing responsibility,
* To teach and supervise the team, including qualified, non-qualified and learnersMaintain good standards of communication, both oral and written, in accordance with NMC guideline
Core Clinical Functions
* Assist the Team Manager in the day to day operation of the clinical area, and the development of the team.
* Contribute to the development of the service by participating in forums/ steering groups/ meetings as required.
* Work collaboratively as a Key Worker within the multidisciplinary team, acting as a role model for good practice; this includes liaising with associated professionals and other agencies, and offering support and guidance to clinical team as necessary.
* Ensure effective communication with clients, carers, visitors and staff. Make effective use of evidence based practice in day to day clinical practice.
* Implement and ensure effective use of the Mental Health Act and Mental Capacity Act where necessary. Represent nursing team and provide reports for Managers Hearings and Mental Health Act Tribunals.
* Ensure safe standards apply to the administration of medication.
* Ensure adherence to Trust policies and procedures at all times. Assist with the development and/or revision of policies and procedures as necessary.
* Undertake other link roles for specified areas as required, including Infection Control, Health and Safety, PALS liaison and Student Placements.
* Take a lead and support colleagues in interventions relating to the management of violence and aggression, including de-escalation techniques and the use of physical intervention (DC&R techniques) as necessary.
* Ability to work flexibly over a 24 hour period in order to meet the operational requirements of the unit.
* Maintain effective relationships with service users, their relatives, friends and other carers.
* Maintain effective relationships with members of the Trust and other statutory and voluntary organisations
For more detail on this jobs role please see attached Job Description or contact our team.
Person Specification
Qualifications / Education
* RMN ENB 998 or equivalent
* Evidence of continued professional development
Knowledge
* Ability to be a role model of good practice.
* Proven ability to work whilst under pressure.
* Knowledge of Mental Health Act & Mental Capacity Act.
* Research and development skills and relevant qualification.
Skills and Experience
* Significant experience at Band 5.
* Evidence of post qualifying continued learning.
* Literate in IT/Computer Skills
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
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