Overview
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Main area General surgery Grade Band 6 Contract Permanent Hours
* Full time
* Part time
37.5 hours per week (Monday - Sunday may include night work.) Job ref 279-7385762-AUG25
Employer 279 University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type NHS
Site Middleton Ward, St Richard's Hospital
Town Chichester
Salary £38,682 - £46,580 per annum
Salary period Yearly
Closing 12/09/2025 23:59
About our Trust
At UHSussex we’re proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK’s largest acute Trusts, we’re a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.
Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal – to always put our Patient First. In fact our mission is summed up by our ‘where better never stops’ motto and you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
As part of our commitment to access for all, please see the different ways you can access the application form.
Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen in General Surgery. Middleton ward and looking for a dynamic and motivated deputy ward sister/charge nurse with experience in General Surgery.
The role of the post holder is to support the ward manager in her absence have the responsibility for the effective management of Middleton Ward at St Richards Hospital. In addition, the post holder will provide clinical and professional leadership within this area, ensuring an effective, quality service with responsibility for patient safety and standards of care. To practice and act in accordance with NMC code of conduct and University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust policies and procedures.
Main duties of the job
* Provide professional leadership with responsibility for performance and the day to day running of the ward.
* Be able to develop, motivate, innovate and lead a team by using objectives in line with general surgery.
* Demonstrate a logical, flexible and innovative approach to problem solving.
* To act as an expert practitioner demonstrating specialist knowledge, skills and expertise within General Surgery and within the context of changing health care provision.
* Ensure that a supportive teaching and learning environment is in place.
* Ensure that all staff are working to their required level of clinical and professional competence whilst adhering to their NMC professional code of conduct.
* Ensuring that all staff are developed to attain competence as highlighted at appraisal.
* Actively audit and proactively manage care against audits, incidents, high impact interventions, complaints and benchmarking.
* Ensure that all clinical environments reflect infection control standards of cleanliness, be proactive in response to any issues raised through cleaning audits, infection control audits or patient environment inspections.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
* Provide professional leadership with responsibility for performance and the day to day running of the ward.
* Be able to develop, motivate, innovate and lead a team by using objectives in line with general surgery.
* Demonstrate a logical, flexible and innovative approach to problem solving.
* To act as an expert practitioner demonstrating specialist knowledge, skills and expertise within General Surgery and within the context of changing health care provision.
* Ensure that a supportive teaching and learning environment is in place.
* Ensure that all staff are working to their required level of clinical and professional competence whilst adhering to their NMC professional code of conduct.
* Ensuring that all staff are developed to attain competence as highlighted at appraisal.
* Actively audit and proactively manage care against audits, incidents, high impact interventions, complaints and benchmarking.
* Ensure that all clinical environments reflect infection control standards of cleanliness, be proactive in response to any issues raised through cleaning audits, infection control audits or patient environment inspections.
Person specification
Experience/Qualifications
* RGN 1st Level with NMC registration AF Original
* Has experience in teaching / sharing knowledge. Can demonstrate experience of supervision of staff and resources. Sound clinical and professional knowledge. Record of continuing professional development. Evidence of professional development since qualification. 3 years post registration experience. Can demonstrate a minimum of two years’ experience in General Surgery or a related area.
* Proven track record of leading a team. Motivation and Innovation. Ability to participate and implement the development of ward.
* Experience of undertaking appraisals. Experience of supervising staff. Demonstrate a high level of patient care to standard.
* Able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust values and behaviours.
* Is guided by precedent and clearly defined occupational policies, protocols, procedures or codes of conduct. Work is managed, rather than supervised and results/outcomes are assessed at agreed intervals. Is guided by standard operating procedures (SOPs), good practice, established precedents and understands what results or standards are to be achieved.
* Leadership Course Mentorship/PSPA Recruitment and Selection training.
* Experience of recruitment and selection.
* Experience of leading a team or assisting to lead a team. Experience of the recruitment process. Experience of supporting staff with their personal and professional development. Vision for developing the hospital environment to improve the patient experience.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
* Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.
* Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation. Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified. Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications
Further Information
For help with the application process for Nursing vacancies, please email uhsussex.nursingteam@nhs.net.
For help with the application process for Non-Nursing vacancies, please email uhsussex.nonnursingteam@nhs.net.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
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