Job overview
****** THIS POSITION IS ONLY OPEN TO CURRENT UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS NHS FOUNDATION TRUST EMPLOYEES ******
The Matron will be a highly visible, accessible and authoritative presence in clinical areastowhichpatients,theirfamiliesandotherscanturnforleadership,assistance, adviceandsupport.Thepostholder will bepartofthe Divisional NursingLeadership team with specific responsibility for a designated area/group of departments.
Please note that this role is a secondment opportunity. Before applying you must seek agreement and authorisation from your current line manager. Secondments can’t be agreed without your current manager’s approval. If you are unable to gain your managers approval you should refrain from applying unless you wish to take this role as a fixed term position
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route however sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds (£25000), and any role-specific criteria.
Main duties of the job
The Matron’s role will focus on:
• Inclusive leadership, professional standards and accountability.
• Governance, patient safety and quality.
• Workforce planning and resource management.
• Patient experience and reducing health inequalities.
• Performance and operational oversight.
• Digital and information technology.
• Education, training and development.
• Research and development.
• Collaborative working and clinical effectiveness.
• Service improvement and transformation.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, 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 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
Candidate Pack
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
1. Uphold and display the Trust values of Commitment, Care & Quality
2. Demonstrate compassionate, inclusive, visible and authoritative leadership to Ward/Department Managers in order to ensure high quality patient centred clinical care is delivered.
3. Ensure nursing / ODP practice reflects current clinical developments and is evidence based.
4. Enhancement of own role and that of team members.
5. In conjunction with the Senior Nurse Leadership Team actively embed the Trust’s Nursing & Midwifery Strategy locally within areas of responsibility.
6. Lead on the improvement of nursing standards by promoting Essence of Care and Best Practice nursing care.
7. Participate in the development, use and evaluation of integrated care pathways.
8. Work as part of a local multi-disciplinary team, in developing models of care.
9. Demonstrate and maintain clinical credibility by acting regularly as a clinical practitioner in own areas of expertise.
10. Work collaboratively in developing, leading and facilitating a seamless patient pathway through the service.
11. Represent the Division at designated meetings.
12. Deputize for the Head of Nursing of Nursing as required.
13. Be the Line Manager for the Ward/Department within defined areas of responsibility.
Person specification
Application and interview
Essential criteria
14. Registered General Nurse / Registered Operating Department Practitioner
15. Post registration qualification
16. Masters level qualification or equivalent professional knowledge acquired through degree/diploma supplemented by specialist training or equivalent experience to master's level
17. Certificate in Teaching and Assessing Clinical Practice (or equivalent) Mentorship
18. Leadership or management qualification (or equivalent)
19. Evidence of excellent managerial, leadership and organisational skills
20. Extensive experience at ward manager level or equivalent managerial role
21. Substantial experience at Ward Manager level
22. Evidence of excellent appraisal skills
Desirable criteria
23. Evidence of ongoing professional development at Masters level
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
24. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
25. 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