Job Summary
A Head of Nursing vacancy (Fixed Term Contract) has arisen in the Clinical Sciences, Cancer and Diagnostic division. The post will lead the Blood and Cancer directorate, covering 2 inpatient wards and multiple departments and associated teams. Applicants must be a Registered Nurse or ODP, possess clinical knowledge, and demonstrate experience in Clinical Governance, Risk Management, HR, Clinical Incidents, Complaints and Budgetary Management. This role is a key stakeholder working within the triumvirate structure.
Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, NHS At Risk staff across Devon and other priority groups.
Main Duties
* Lead the operational delivery of the nursing strategy within the Directorate, ensuring high‑quality nursing practice aligned with the 6Cs and organisational values.
* Adopt a highly visible, accessible approach for patients and staff, empowering and developing staff for a wide range of clinical activities.
* Accountable for nursing team management, clinical leadership, infection prevention and control, and standards of patient care. Support and hold Matrons and senior staff accountable, monitor key performance and Care Quality Commission standards.
* Act as a positive role‑model, demonstrate competent, accountable clinical practice and provide professional leadership and advice.
* Lead on specific projects and deliver the Infection, Prevention and Control agenda for the Directorate.
About Us
We are a people business where staff matter. Patients sit at the heart of everything. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust offers career development in an innovative, high‑minded environment. We support work‑life balance, flexible working and welcome diverse applicants. All communication will be electronic; please check your email regularly.
Details
* Date posted:14 January 2026
* Pay scheme: Agenda for Change
* Band: 8c
* Salary: £76,965 to £88,682 a year, pro‑rata
* Contract: Fixed term
* Duration: 12 months
* Working pattern: Full‑time
* Reference number: 216‑PL‑CO7690045
* Job location: Derriford, Derriford Road, Plymouth PL6 8DH
Job Responsibilities
* Provide nursing and midwifery leadership supporting the Division triumvirate to ensure delivery of high‑quality services.
* Foster a collaborative environment for outstanding patient care.
* Operationalise nursing key performance indicators against targets and track five Key Lines of Enquiry.
* Collaborate with Divisional Directors and Integrated Professions to develop services, plan improvements and manage clinical pathways.
* Lead the Infection, Prevention and Control agenda, delivering through Matrons and the Matrons Charter.
* Represent the Directorate internally and externally, presenting complex information and performance data.
* Lead the annual nursing and midwifery establishment review and advise on workforce redesign.
* Agree budgeting and resourcing, holding delegated budget holders to account.
* Use professional expertise to advise senior management on clinical pathways.
Person Specification
Essential Knowledge & Experience
* Substantial demonstrable experience in health care.
* Experience of clinical work in acute hospital settings.
* Knowledge of a wide range of conditions.
* Experience of providing clinical supervision and being a role model.
* Working knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act for clinical decision‑making.
Essential Aptitude & Abilities
* Excellent communication skills, written and verbal, with sensitivity to patients, families and carers.
* Ability to lead, supervise and develop clinical practice with resilience and flexibility.
* Organisational skills: prioritise workload, attention to detail, time management.
* Ability to reprioritise workload, cope with frequent interruptions.
* Ability to present complex data and hold discussions with stakeholders.
* Resilience in managing challenging incidents, complaints, staffing issues and operational underperformance.
Disposition / Attitude / Motivation
* Use initiative and a problem‑solving approach.
* Respect and value contributions of all team members and the wider colleague network.
Desirable
* Stress‑management strategies.
* Relevant teaching or qualification/certificate.
* Post‑registration education.
Essential Qualifications
* Evidence of ongoing professional development and post‑registration education at postgraduate level.
* Registered Nurse/Healthcare Professional with a master’s degree or equivalent experience, willing to work towards a formal qualification.
* Current NMC/HCPC registration.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from skilled‑worker visa seekers will be considered alongside all other applicants.
Employer Details
* University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
* Derriford, Derriford Road, Plymouth PL6 8DH
* Website: https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/
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