Job overview
This is an exciting opportunity to take on a pivotal role in shaping the future of Enhanced Therapeutic Observations and Care (ETOC) support across our services. The introduction of this role reflects a key organisational priority: responding to the growing demand for safe, therapeutic, and person-centred care for patients with complex needs and challenging behaviours. The Mental Health Lead Nurse will bridge the gap between policy and practice, supporting the long-term implementation of the ETOC framework and use knowledge and expertise to improve our approach in care for patients requiring enhanced observations and care.
Main duties of the job
The Adult Mental Health Lead Nurse provides expert clinical leadership and operational support across Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to improve mental health care within acute settings.
The role focuses on developing and implementing the Enhanced Therapeutic Observations and Care (ETOC) Strategy, supporting safe and patient-centred care, and challenging stigma around mental health.
Key responsibilities include advising clinical teams, managing complex behaviours, supporting safeguarding, leading training initiatives, and promoting integrated working with mental health services.
The post holder also contributes to policy development, audits, research, and education to enhance staff competencies and patient outcomes.
Leadership duties involve fostering a psychologically safe environment, coordinating service improvements, and representing the Trust in national forums.
Working for our organisation
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics-led Maternity and Paediatrics. You will be joining a friendly, high performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.
Our values
We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience - we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. We achieve this by using values based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity, and creating a culture that values differences.
Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The Job Description and Person Specification are attached to this job, please review for the full details and responsibilities
Person specification
Qualifications and Experience
Essential criteria
1. Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN)
2. Significant clinical experience in acute mental health (community or in-patient)
3. Senior management experience (e.g. unit manager)
Desirable criteria
4. Operational management experience in acute health settings
5. Project management experience in transformational change
6. Experience in service development and teaching programme facilitation
Knowledge
Essential criteria
7. Comprehensive, highly developed, up to date specialist knowledge of Mental Health nursing/clinical care
8. Understanding of professional training and development
9. Financial management principles and information governance
10. Knowledge of quality performance requirements
Desirable criteria
11. Understanding of service improvement techniques
Skills
Essential criteria
12. Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability
13. Leadership and motivational abilities
14. Clear communication and ability to manage priorities independently
Desirable criteria
15. Specific achievements or years of experience
16. Project management experience in facilitating and managing transformational change within and across organisations
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.