Job overview
Do you have significant experience in gynaecological nursing?
A unique secondment opportunity has arisen to lead the nursing team on Horsted Keynes Ward.
Horsted Keynes Ward is an 11‑bedded, dedicated female ward, open Monday to Friday, providing care predominantly for patients undergoing elective gynaecological procedures, while also supporting emergency admissions. The Gynaecology Assessment Unit is located on the ward and supports the urgent care pathway for those requiring timely gynaecological review. This is a busy and well‑established service delivering both inpatient and outpatient care.
The ward and Outpatient Centre host a wide range of nurse‑led and consultant‑led outpatient clinics, including Early Pregnancy, Colposcopy, Hysteroscopy, Pessary clinics and Fast Track Oncology, alongside other related gynaecological services.
We are seeking an enthusiastic, dynamic and flexible Lead Nurse with a ‘can‑do’ approach and a proven track record in delivering and organising high‑quality patient care. You will have experience in leading teams and demonstrate an innovative and forward‑thinking approach to developing nurse‑led specialties and services.
You will be a highly motivated and enthusiastic nurse, with the relevant knowledge and skills to deliver evidence‑based, high‑quality care. Excellent communication skills are essential to motivate staff, promote effective team working and support ongoing professional development.
Main duties of the job
The Ward Manager is a key member of the divisional management team, supporting the delivery of all key performance targets within the division.
The post holder is accountable for providing effective professional nursing leadership and ensuring proactive, efficient resource management within their clinical area.
As an experienced practitioner, the Ward Manager will:
1. Lead and maintainhigh standards of clinical care and patient safety
2. Ensure a clean, safe environment that supports high-quality care delivery
3. Promote and embed best practice in infection prevention and control
4. Drive continuous improvement in clinical care standards
5. Ensure all patients are treated with dignity, respect, and compassion
6. Manage staffing and resources effectively within the allocated budget and capacity
The role requires strong leadership, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to delivering outstanding patient care while meeting organisational objectives.
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
Communication
7. Act as a role model, demonstrating excellent communication and listening skills with patients, relatives, and staff
8. Maintain strict adherence to confidentiality standards, ensuring compliance with Data Protection, Freedom of Information, and Caldicott principles
9. Promote effective communication channels within nursing teams and across multidisciplinary servicesService delivery and improvement
10. Contribute to the strategic direction of the Trust, participating in corporate and directorate meetings
11. Support the team to monitor and evaluate care through clinical audit and standards, ensuring remedial action where needed
12. Support staff in identifying, applying, and sharing research findings relevant to clinical practice
People management anddevelopment
13. Manage rosters, supporting staff allocation, and contributing to effective budget reconciliation and workforce planning
14. Provide leadership to a team of nursing and non-nursing staff, with responsibility for performance management, including sickness, absence, and capability processes
15. Manage the ward/clinical area budget in collaboration with the Matron and Finance team
Patient care delivery
16. Proactively mitigate risks to patient safety, preventing avoidable harm and contributing to divisional risk management processes
17. Investigation of clinical incidents and dissemination of learning to prevent recurrence
Learning and development
18. Achieve and demonstrate agreed standards of personal and professional development within agreed timescales
19. Participate in the Trust’s appraisal process
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria. For example, applicants for the Senior HCA role must be able to evidence a minimum of 2 years’ experience in the same role to qualify for sponsorship.
If you are applying using a Graduate visa as your right to work, you must have a minimum of 18 months remaining on your visa at time of application.
Person specification
Essential
Essential criteria
20. Current NMC registration
21. Teaching & Assessing Qualification
22. Previous Band 6 experience or equivalent
23. Evidence of managerial, leadership and organisational skills
24. Proven track record of involvement in research and audit
25. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Desirable criteria
26. Gynaecology Experience / course
27. Change management skills
28. Leadership Course
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Essential criteria
29. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
30. 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