Band 8c - Head of Midwifery
Closing date: 17 March 2026
The Head of Midwifery is a key member of the Divisional Management Team, reporting to the Director of Midwifery and Gynaecology Nursing. The post holder will provide operational midwifery leadership across women's services, ensuring the day‑to‑day delivery of high standards of patient care across integrated care pathways at West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
The role provides assurance on clinical and operational governance systems, including risk management, CQC standards, clinical quality, patient experience, safeguarding and health and safety. Following a 6‑month probationary period, objectives will be reviewed to include neonates and the role rebranded as appropriate.
Main Duties of the Job
* Support the Director, Clinical Director and Divisional Manager to deliver workforce, quality, safety, performance and leadership objectives.
* Deputise for the Director as required, including presenting Board assurance and Quality Committee reports.
* Day‑to‑day operational management of maternity and gynaecology services.
* Lead workforce and safe staffing reviews and ensure compliance with Trust‑wide policies.
* Lead on governance, quality improvement, incident management, safeguarding, patient experience and continuous professional development, keeping women and families at the centre of care.
About us
With a new hospital planned for Watford, work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital and plans for a neighbourhood healthcare centre in Hemel Hempstead, this is an exciting time to join us.
We are building on the success of our award‑winning virtual hospital and re‑imagining models of care, working closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare.
Staff wellbeing and development are a priority, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience.
Our vision is Excellent patient care, together. Our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive. We offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work‑life balance.
Website: http://www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk
If you have a disability or long‑term health condition and require support or guidance please contact westherts.recruitment@nhs.net.
If you are a Service Leaver, Veteran, Military Reserve, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, or partner/spouse of those serving, please tick “Member of the Armed Forces Community” on the application form.
We reserve the right to close this advert early due to the volume of applicants. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Job Description
The Head of Midwifery will provide strategic and professional leadership to midwives, nurses, clinical nurse specialists, matrons and multidisciplinary teams across women's services. They will ensure effective workforce management, clinical supervision and staff development frameworks are in place to promote engagement, excellence and continuous improvement.
The post holder will work closely with key stakeholders including Maternity Voice Partnerships and Local Maternity Systems, sharing best practice locally and nationally.
Core hours are Monday to Friday, with flexibility required to meet service needs and provide senior leadership cover, including deputising during planned and unplanned absences.
Person Specification
Education and Qualifications
Essential
* Current registration as a Midwife on relevant part of the NMC Register.
* First degree or equivalent.
* Master's Degree.
* Leadership qualifications and/or experience.
* Implemented and led practice‑related changes.
* Strong evidence of continuing professional development.
Desirable
* Evidence of Executive/Leadership Development.
* Recognised leadership course.
Knowledge
Essential
* Sound knowledge and experience of all aspects of midwifery practice.
* Knowledge of current national drives, the National Maternity Agenda, assurance around maternity quality and safety.
* Excellent evidence‑based theoretical knowledge with the ability to apply theory to practice.
* Knowledge of issues around safeguarding children and adults.
* Knowledge and experience of implementing UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative Standards and Accreditation.
* Knowledge of clinical governance and risk management processes.
* Knowledge of strategic developments in midwifery, locally and nationally, and knowledge and experience of equality, diversity and human rights in line with national policy.
* Understanding of midwifery, A‑equip model and restorative clinical midwifery supervision.
Experience
Essential
* Experience as Senior Midwife in an acute NHS environment at 8a level.
* Experience working with Local Maternity Systems and Strategic Clinical Networks.
* Experience as a Matron/Clinical Midwifery Manager managing clinical teams.
* Experience managing complex change and sustaining improvements.
* Proven experience of building effective partnerships and alliances both internal and external to the organisation.
* Experience developing and implementing a nursing and midwifery strategy and governance processes.
* Experience leading on the Care Quality Commission inspection regime.
* Proven management experience and ability to lead staff in achieving complex outcomes.
* Significant budget management experience.
* Experience dealing with service users' complaints; investigating informal and formal complaints and writing response letters.
* Experience performance managing staff.
* Experience working with colleagues in the CCG.
Desirable
* Experience working with colleagues in the CCG.
* Experience of local or regional strategic working.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.
Employer Details
Employer Name
West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Address
Watford Hospital, Watford, WD18 0HB
Employer's Website
http://www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk
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