We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced and dedicated Mental Health Nurse to join our Forensic Low Secure services as a Matron, overseeing forensic mental health and Learning disability inpatient wards and LDFOLS. The role of the matron is critical to ensuring that all patients receive the highest standards of clinical care. It will be achieved through a combination of professional curiosity, daily presence on the wards, and expert knowledge of care delivery. They will be visible to patients and carers and be available to resolve complex issues as they arise, providing clinical line management to ward managers, being aware of local risks to care delivery, and working collaboratively with others to implement plans to mitigate those risks. The post holder will take a facilitative and empowering approach, nurturing creativity and being open to doing things differently if this improves the patient, carer and staff experience. We are serious about diversity and inclusion and warmly welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds, proactively encouraging applications from under‑represented communities for our more senior roles, like this one.
Responsibilities
* Oversight of wards alongside other matrons (with cross cover when needed)
* Clinical line management of ward managers
* Provide visible and authoritative leadership across low secure wards and LDFOLS
* Ensure high standards of clinical care, patient safety, and recovery‑focused practice
* Maintain safe staffing levels appropriate to patient acuity and risk
* Empower nursing staff to deliver specialist forensic care and support ongoing development
* Uphold clinical governance, relational security and compliance with MHA, MoJ and regulatory frameworks
* Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, MAPPA, criminal justice services and stakeholders to ensure effective risk management and discharge planning
* Use data, audit outcomes and feedback to drive quality improvement and reduce restrictive practices
* Enhance ward environments, including ligature and security risk management, cleanliness and infection prevention
* Support patient nutrition and holistic care needs
* Promote dignity, respect and trauma‑informed care throughout all services
* Resolve concerns for patients, families, and external partners, including MoJ and MAPPA
* Maintain Duty of Candour with service users and carers at all times
* Implement regular processes to review incidents, using triangulation to address risks and develop learning
* Manage and support staff, providing supervision, performance review and development opportunities
* Lead and participate in multidisciplinary meetings and quality assurance initiatives
* Contribute to service improvement projects and foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation
Qualifications & Experience (Essential)
* First Degree and NMC registration
* Evidence of continuing professional development to Master's level or equivalent
* Senior Nursing Leadership experience
* Working knowledge of MHA and its use in inpatient setting
* Experience of partnership working with service users and carers
Personal Qualities (Essential)
* Able to motivate and enthuse staff at all levels, improve confidence and contain anxiety
* Have high levels of emotional intelligence and use this with sensitivity and diplomacy
Desirable
* Experience of reviewing Quality Forensic Network standards
Additional Information
* Must hold a full, valid UK driving licence and have access to a car/vehicle for business purposes (unless disabled as defined by the Equality Act 2010)
* As this post is based in Dartford, Gravesham or Swanley, the successful applicant will receive an additional payment of 5% of basic salary, subject to a minimum payment of £1,346 per year and a maximum payment of £2,270 per year (paid monthly)
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