Key Information
* Band: 8D (Divisional Director of Nursing)
* Salary: £94,356 to £108,814 per year
* Contract: Permanent
* Working pattern: Full-time
* Reference number: 342-CS027-0626
* Job location: Bybrook Lodge, Bristol, BS16 2EW, United Kingdom
* Date posted: 8 June 2026
* Closing date: 22 June 2026
Job Summary
As the most senior nurse in the Division, the Divisional Director of Nursing will act as a strong role model, demonstrating credibility, visibility, and a commitment to development, celebrating success, encouraging creativity, innovation and excellence in practice.
Main Duties
The postholder will lead on identified projects, work with the Divisional Clinical Director and Chief Nursing Officer to strengthen quality and safety governance, and ensure all aspects of nursing and multidisciplinary care meet high standards. They will provide professional leadership, support staff to transform service delivery, improve patient care, and lead the development of expert nursing practice and clinical leadership within the Division.
About Us
We are the lead provider of healthcare for people with serious mental illness, learning disabilities and autism across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. We aim to provide high quality, compassionate care everywhere, every day.
Job Responsibilities
* Lead on all aspects of nursing practice within the specified Division and the Chief Nursing Officer portfolio.
* Collaborate with the Divisional Clinical Director and Chief Nursing Officer to strengthen quality and safety governance, ensuring nurses are aware of and work within required standards.
* Lead identified nursing projects as agreed with directors.
* Provide strategic nursing input across the Division to ensure effective, recovery‑focused mental health services.
* Support Divisional teams to align governance meetings to AWP frameworks, ensuring consistency and standardisation.
* Prepare papers for the AWP Quality and Safety Committee and external regulators such as the CQC.
* Manage complex concerns within the Division, providing oversight on inquests and hearings and supporting communication with families and carers.
Person Specification
Essential Experience & Knowledge
* Extensive experience in a senior operational nursing role.
* Extensive experience within a mental health service.
* Evidence of senior leadership ability and experience.
* Experience developing and leading strategic and operational plans across large, complex services.
* Understanding and experience of national and international best practice in specialist nursing areas.
* Commitment to evidence‑based practice, innovation and creating change.
* Experience of CQC inspections.
Desirable Experience & Knowledge
* Evidence of knowledge related to service change and QI methodology.
Essential Skills & Abilities
* Ability to articulate a clear vision for nursing.
* Understanding of challenges facing the nursing profession and identifying solutions.
* Comprehensive understanding of the regulatory environment.
* Ability to manage highly complex priorities and business planning.
* Credible clinical and operational leadership skills.
* Comfortable working on the front line with staff within scope of practice.
* Ability to present at national conferences and represent the AWP Director of Nursing.
* Ability to write concise Board and Committee reports.
Essential Other Requirements
* Passion for nursing and improving patient outcomes.
* Ability to work within a team and independently.
* Resilience in adversity.
* Adaptability to changing service needs.
Essential Education & Qualifications
* NMC Registered.
* First Degree.
* Management qualification or equivalent.
* Masters or extensive equivalent experience, including specialist training in health, leadership or management.
* Relevant management qualification or senior management experience.
Desirable Education & Qualifications
* Postgraduate master's or doctorate in mental health core professional subject.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check as per the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require Skilled Worker sponsorship will be considered. For further information, see the UK Visas and Immigration website.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. Further details are on the NHS Careers website.
Contact Details
Clinical Director: Michelle Cox
michelle.cox20@nhs.net
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