Job overview
The Matron will be a highly visible, accessible and authoritative presence in clinical areas to which patients, their families and others can turn for leadership, assistance, advice and support. The postholder will be part of the Divisional Nursing Leadership team with specific responsibility for a designated area/group of departments.
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.
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
· Uphold and display the Trust values of Commitment, Care & Quality
· Demonstrate compassionate, inclusive, visible and authoritative leadership to Ward/Department Managers in order to ensure high quality patient centred clinical care is delivered.
Working for our organisation
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
The Matron will be a highly visible, accessible and authoritative presence in clinical areas to which patients, their families and others can turn for leadership, assistance, advice and support. The postholder will be part of the Divisional Nursing Leadership team with specific responsibility for a designated area/group of departments.
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.
Person specification
Essential and deseriable criteria
Essential criteria
1. Ophthalmology experience
2. Previous Leadership role
3. Significant post-registration clinical experience
4. Strong leadership and decision-making skills
5. Masters level qualification or equivalent professional knowledge acquired through degree/diploma supplemented by specialist training or equivalent experience to master's level
6. Certificate in Teaching and Assessing Clinical Practice (or equivalent) Mentorship
7. Leadership or management qualification (or equivalent)
8. Evidence of excellent appraisal skills
Desirable criteria
9. Experience in an outpatient/Department setting
10. Experience managing staffing, budgets, or resources
11. Experience in service improvement and quality assurance
12. Evidence of ongoing professional development at Masters level
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
13. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role)
14. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
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