Head of Nursing - Urgent and Emergency Care (Band 8c)
Lead. Inspire. Transform Emergency and Urgent Care.
This role provides strategic and operational leadership to our workforce across UEC, working as part of the Directorate triumvirate leading with visibility and compassion--ensuring high-quality, safe, and patient-centred care, while fostering a culture of empowerment, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
Responsibilities
As Head of Nursing, you will:
* Provide inspirational leadership to Matrons and senior nursing teams across all UEC services.
* Champion the highest standards of clinical care, safety, and patient experience.
* Lead the operational delivery of the nursing strategy, ensuring excellence in infection prevention, workforce planning, and clinical governance.
* Drive innovation, service improvement, and workforce transformation in response to priorities.
* Represent UEC at Trust, system, and regional forums--advocating for outstanding, responsive, and compassionate care.
Main Duties
* Provide visible and compassionate nursing leadership across the Directorate, supporting the Medical Director and Directorate Manager to ensure safe, high-quality, and efficient patient care.
* Lead, support, and hold Matrons and senior nursing staff to account for maintaining professional standards, governance, and compliance with CQC and Trust requirements.
* Drive improvements in patient safety, clinical quality, infection prevention and control, and patient experience through effective leadership and collaboration.
* Lead the delivery of the nursing and midwifery strategy within the Directorate, ensuring alignment with the Trust's values and the principles of the 6Cs.
* Oversee workforce planning, establishment reviews, and the professional development of nursing staff, promoting a culture of learning and accountability.
* Contribute to strategic and service development initiatives, supporting innovation and transformation in care delivery.
* Act as a visible role model and advocate for patients, staff, and the nursing profession, fostering a culture of compassion, inclusion, and excellence.
* Represent the Directorate internally and externally, providing expert advice and leadership on nursing and quality matters.
Qualifications and Experience
We are looking for a dynamic, resilient, and visionary nurse leader with significant experience and a proven track record in improving clinical outcomes and leading teams through transformation.
Contact: For an informal discussion please contact Sarah Budden sarah.budden@nhs.net
Knowledge and experience
* Demonstrable experience of clinical working in acute hospital settings
* Substantial demonstrable experience working in health care
* Proven knowledge and demonstrable experience of providing clinical supervision and being a clinical role model
* Good proven working knowledge of the Mental Capacity Act and experience in use for clinical decision-making, Best Interest decisions, DOLS etc
Qualifications
* Registered Nurse / Healthcare Professional with current NMC or HCPC registration.
* Master's degree or equivalent experience, and commitment to ongoing postgraduate development.
* Proven evidence of on-going professional development and post-registration education at post-graduate level
Aptitude and abilities
* Excellent communication skills, with effectiveness in written and verbal communications including ability to communicate effectively with patients, families and carers on sensitive issues
* Ability to lead, supervising and developing clinical practice - with resilience and flexibility to work alongside different teams.
* Ability to present written and verbal reports - presenting highly complex data and holding complex discussions with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
Disposition / Attitude / Motivation
* Demonstrate enthusiasm for the post and the development of the service.
* Able to work autonomously without the need for direct supervision.
* Flexible, innovative, and adaptable to change.
* Able to work collaboratively with colleagues across health social private and voluntary care sectors.
Desirable
* Recognised teaching, mentorship, or leadership qualification.
* Ability to employ stress management strategies to help themselves and others
Additional information
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
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
Derriford Hospital
Derriford Road
Plymouth
PL6 8DH
Website: https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/
Job details
* Band: 8c
* Salary: £76,965 to £88,682 a year
* Contract: Permanent
* Working pattern: Full-time
* Date posted: 11 November 2025
* Reference number: 216-PL-M7584502
* Location: Derriford Hospital, Derriford Road, Plymouth PL6 8DH
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