Job overview
****** THIS POSITION IS ONLY OPEN TO CURRENT UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS NHS FOUNDATION TRUST EMPLOYEES ******
Following the creation of University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, (UHSx), there is now a cancer Services Division across the organisation.
This opens up a lot of exciting opportunities for collaborative working between established sites and SACT units across Sussex. With the new cancer hospital planned to open in 2028 this is a really exciting time in cancer care.
This role will be working with the Surrey, Sussex Cancer Alliance, hospices and voluntary sectors to manage services in terms of efficiency, effectiveness and also enabling patients to be treated closer to home.
With 1 in 2 being diagnosed with cancer there is a strong focus on meeting future demand, enhancing cancer pathways and patient experience. This role can transform cancer care at UHSx and we are looking for candidates with extensive experience in cancer and in a leadership role to join us.
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
Please see full job description.
1. significant clinical experience at a senior level
2. to have demonstrable service development / change management experience
3. to have leadership experience
4. to be familiar with liaising with all grades and disciplines of staff
5. to be confident attending at speaking at senior level meetings, deputising for the Head of Nursing – Cancer, HoN), as needed
6. to be able to identify and measure appropriate key performance indicators as agreed with the HoN.
7. to understand and contribute to the cancer division’s and trust’s operational and strategic priorities
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
8. Act as a role model demonstrating attitudes and behavior that reflects Trust values for interpersonal skills and effective leadership qualities
9. Uses highly developed communication skills to support and manage teams, personally and professionally
10. Utilise highly developed negotiation and motivational skills, alongside reassurance and supportive skills
11. Actively participate in senior nursing management responsibilities and Trust representation regarding Cancer Care at a Senior level
12. Communicate highly complex, sensitive or contentious information to all members of the Multidisciplinary team, patients, carers and external agencies
13. Line manage teams on an operational and strategic level
14. Work with Head of Nursing for Cancer to develop the cancer nursing strategy
15. Continue to use and develop senior level, autonomous clinical skills
The attached job description is an outline of the role and responsibilities. From time to time due to the needs of the service, we may ask you to flexibly undertake other duties that are consistent with your role and banding, including project work, internal job rotation and absence cover.
This role requires cross site working and on call duties.
The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the department and the organisation.
Person specification
Experience/ Qualifications
Essential criteria
16. Masters level education related to cancer
17. Evidence of Leadership development/ qualification
18. Evidence of Management development/ qualification
19. Advanced Communication Skills Training
20. SACT trained
21. Previous management experience within Cancer
22. Experience in clinical governance and report writing
23. Experience working alongside Hospital Director of Nursing and managing patient flow
24. Registered General Nurse
25. Post registration qualification
26. Certificate in Teaching and Assessing Clinical Practice (or equivalent) Mentorship
27. Evidence of Performance Management skills
Desirable criteria
28. Oncology course or specialist cancer nursing qualification
29. Project management qualification/ experience
30. Previous cross site working and awareness of SACT units within UHSx
31. Aware of cancer KPI and how to navigate PTL
32. Extensive experience in managing complaints, investigations and completing reports
33. Previous experience in covering Head of Nursing within Cancer division
34. Evidence of professional development at Masters level
Skills
Essential criteria
35. Experience of managing communication of highly complex and specialist communication in an understandable way
36. Experience/ evidence of influencing at senior managerial level
37. Experience of planning and adjusting complex workloads in response to challenges
38. Project management skills and evidence of managing change and service improvement initiatives
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Essential criteria
39. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
40. 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