Job overview
The Lead Colorectal Nurse is a senior advanced clinical practitioner responsible for the delivery, leadership and development of nurse‑led colorectal services across the Trust. The post holder provides autonomous assessment, diagnosis and management of patients with colorectal symptoms, ensuring safe, timely and high‑quality care aligned to national cancer and RTT standards.
The role combines advanced clinical practice with service leadership, workforce oversight and clinical governance responsibilities. The post holder will lead nurse‑led symptomatic and urgent suspected cancer pathways, provide professional leadership to the colorectal nursing workforce, and work closely with consultant colleagues, operational managers and primary care partners to optimise patient pathways and overall service performance.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will provide expert autonomous clinical practice, delivering a range of nurse‑led colorectal clinics including symptomatic assessment, urgent suspected cancer and follow‑up clinics. They will undertake advanced assessment, diagnostic decision‑making, independent prescribing and the requesting and interpretation of investigations. They will act as named clinician for defined surveillance cohorts and provide specialist advice to primary care with appropriate escalation to consultant surgeons.
The role includes leading the operational delivery and development of nurse‑led colorectal pathways, ensuring adequate clinic capacity, monitoring pathway performance and cancer standards, and contributing to demand‑and‑capacity planning and service improvement. The post holder will provide line management, leadership and supervision to the colorectal CNS workforce, supporting staff development, performance management and advanced practice competency.
They will act as a senior clinical leader within Trust governance structures, contributing to PSIRF processes, morbidity and mortality discussions, audit, quality improvement and compliance with professional standards. The role requires effective communication of complex information, close multidisciplinary working, and representation of colorectal nursing at internal and external forums. The post holder will maintain high professional standards and support education, research and ongoing development within the service.
Working for our organisation
At DCHFT, we pride ourselves on the care we provide for our patients, and on the culture, we are creating for our staff. We work hard to create a fair, inclusive environment for our staff.
Our Mission is to work in partnership to provide high quality, compassionate services and to nurture an environment where people can be at their best. Our vision is healthier lives, empowered citizens, thriving communities.
We are a Trust that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from people in all under-represented groups.
We understand that some applicants may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing their application materials. While this is not discouraged, we kindly remind candidates that all submissions must be truthful and accurately reflect your own experiences and suitability for this role.
Personal integrity and authenticity are central to our recruitment process. We value honesty and appreciate applications that are genuine and representative of the individual behind them.
This role is eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). We welcome applications from individuals who require sponsorship to work in the UK. Sponsorship will be offered subject to meeting UKVI eligibility criteria.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Our DCHFT Job Description and Person Specification (attached) tells you all about this role, what to expect and what is needed to succeed. When completing your application please make sure to tell us how your experience and skills fit the person specification.
Person specification
EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING
Essential criteria
* Registered Nurse with current NMC registration
* Master’s level study or equivalent advanced practice experience in clinical area of specialism
* Advanced clinical assessment and examination training
* Independent Non-Medical Prescribing qualification (V300) and willingness to maintain prescribing competence
* IRMER training and competence to request and manage diagnostic imaging
* Evidence of ongoing CPD aligned to advanced practice
* Teaching or clinical education qualification
Desirable criteria
* Leadership or management qualification (e.g. PGCert, MSc modules or equivalent
* Evidence of specialist colorectal or lower GP focused education
KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
Essential criteria
* Extensive specialist knowledge of colorectal disease, referral pathways and treatment options.
* Expert understanding of urgent suspected cancer, symptomatic and surveillance colorectal pathways.
* Proven experience working autonomously at an advanced clinical level within colorectal services.
* Demonstrable experience delivering nurse-led clinics with responsibility for assessment, diagnosis and management.
* Experience of providing advice and guidance to primary care and escalating appropriately to consultant colleagues.
* Sound understanding of clinical governance, risk management and quality improvement.
* Experience of line management, supervision and professional leadership of nursing staff.
* Experience of audit, service evaluation and evidence-based practice.
* Up-to-date knowledge of national policy, cancer standards and professional issues relevant to colorectal services.
Desirable criteria
* Experience contributing to service redesign or pathway development.
* Experience working across organisational boundaries or system interfaces.
* Experience supporting advanced practice development (eg. prescribing supervision, competency sign-off).
SKILLS & ABILITIES
Essential criteria
* Highly developed advanced clinical skills in colorectal assessment and decision-making.
* Strong leadership skills with the ability to influence, support and challenge constructively.
* Excellent communication skills, including the ability to convey complex and sensitive information to patients and families.
* Ability to articulate clinical and service risks clearly to operational and senior leaders.
* Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
* Ability to work flexibly in response to service demand and pathway pressures.
* High level of IT literacy, including use of clinical systems, data analysis and reporting tools.
* Ability to work independently while recognising professional boundaries and governance requirements.
* Commitment to patient-centred care and continuous service improvement.
Desirable criteria
* Presentation skills and experience presenting at Trust, regional or national forums.
* Coaching or mentoring skills.
* Experience contributing to multidisciplinary or Care Group-level forums.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Essential criteria
* Professional credibility and integrity.
* Resilient and adaptable, with the ability to manage uncertainty and change.
* Confident decision-maker with sound professional judgement.
* Approachable leadership style with the ability to support staff wellbeing and development.
* Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusive practice.
* Ability to meet the physical and emotional demands of the role.
* Willingness to work flexibly to meet service needs.
* Commitment to maintaining professional registration and competence.
Our Mission
Outstanding care for people in ways which matter to them.
Our Vision
Dorset County Hospital, working with our health and social care partners, will be at the heart of improving the well-being of our communities.
Our Values
Integrity, Respect, Teamwork, Excellence
We are a Trust that celebrates diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We would welcome applications from people in all under-represented groups.
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT INFORMATION CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION
Please read the job description and person specification carefully to ensure your application reflects the knowledge, skills and experience required.
The closing date/interview date is subject to amendment; this vacancy may therefore expire at short notice, so we recommend that you submit an application at your earliest convenience. We reserve the right to close any vacancies without notice.
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted via email; therefore it is important that you check your personal email account regularly.
Unfortunately we are unable to respond to every application; if we do not contact you within 4 weeks of the closing date, please be advised that you not have been shortlisted on this occasion.
You can contact us on 01305 254655 to find out whether you have been shortlisted or if you would like feedback.