Overview
Royal Cornwall Hospitals is the only Acute provider in Cornwall operating from three sites: Royal Cornwall Hospital, St Michael's Hospital and West Cornwall Hospital. The Trust provides services from satellite units such as the St Austell Surgical Hub. Our workforce delivers high quality emergency, elective and specialist care across a range of clinical areas. Leaders in our Trust are expected to lead with integrity, compassion and professionalism, embracing the principles of enabling colleagues to act with autonomy to deliver an outstanding experience for staff and patients with a focus on customer service. Leadership qualities should embody high standards, lead by example and enable colleagues to be creative in pursuing a high performing organisation, aspiring to operate in the top quartile nationally. Leaders are expected to set the benchmark for staff with a flexible approach to availability, as services operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. An on-site presence is essential for a visible, accessible and approachable leadership style.
Job responsibilities
The post holder will be responsible for the strategic and operational development and delivery of clinical and professional standards of care for staff and patients, ensuring that clinical practice meets national, professional and regulatory standards. As part of the Division Management Team, the post holder will work with the Clinical Director and have responsibility for ensuring that clinical governance across the Divisions is delivered in accordance with the Trust Clinical Governance frameworks. As a Divisional Head of Nursing or Divisional Head Of Integrated Professions, the post holder will lead in developing nursing and allied health professionals’ practice, leadership and development, in collaboration with the Dual Chief Nursing Officer, Director of Nursing Midwifery and Allied Health Care Professionals, Associate Directors and other professional leads. The Divisional Head of Nursing or Head Of Integrated Professions will actively lead the delivery of the RCHT Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals Vision within the Division and wider organisation, achieving Division and service objectives within available resources. Leadership will span four key areas: service leadership, people and personal leadership, quality leadership and collaborative leadership.
About us
The Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) is the main provider of acute and specialist care services in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. We serve a population of around 500,000 people, which can increase significantly with visitors during peak times. We employ approximately 6,700 staff and have a budget of approximately £580 million. We are a teaching hospital in partnership with the University of Exeter Medical School, University of Plymouth School of Nursing and Midwifery, and Peninsula Dental School. The Knowledge Spa on the Royal Cornwall Hospital site provides ongoing education for health professions in clinical and non-clinical roles. We are committed to maximising the range of specialist care offered locally, developing our clinical services and facilities, and fostering research and innovation. Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust is a research-active organisation. The South West Clinical School in Cornwall exists to promote clinical academic career opportunities for nurses, midwives and allied health professionals interested in research and evidence-based activities. Read their research paper for more information.
Website: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/research/clinical-schools/royal-cornwall-hospitals-nhs-trust-clinical-school
Date posted: 24 February 2026
Details
Pay scheme: Agenda for change | Band 8c | Salary £76,965 to £88,682 pa pro rata | Contract: Permanent | Working pattern: Full-time | Reference number: 156-7827608-A | Job locations: Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro, TR1 3LJ
Job description and person specification
Job responsibilities and practice expectations include viewing the full Job Description and Person Specification as referenced in the supporting document. Applicants will undergo NHS identity, professional registration and qualification checks, employment history and references, Occupational Health clearance, Satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service check, and confirmation of right to work in the UK. Further information on employment standards and regulation is available via NHS employers resources. We reserve the right to close this advert early and may offer flexible working; sponsorship may be possible but is not guaranteed.
Person Specification
Essential
* Qualifications: Registered Healthcare Professional (NMC or HCPC registration)
* Masters degree or current study towards
* Mentor qualification
* Post‑registration courses / equivalent level of experience
Desirable
* Leadership programme
* Management qualification
* Education / teaching certificate
Essential experience
* Operational management experience in an acute hospital setting in a senior Nurse/Midwife/AHP role
* Matron or equivalent level experience
* Experience of working within the specialty environment
* Clinically credible role model with demonstrable leadership in the specialty
* Knowledge and experience of leading change with sustained improvements
* Ability to handle competing priorities, meet deadlines and work under pressure
* Experience in developing non-medical clinical business and workforce plans aligned to future service needs
* Understanding of NHS key issues (NSF, NICE Guidance)
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a Disclosure to the DBS will be required to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website. Guidance on overseas criminal records checks is available as referenced.
UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information see NHS Careers.
Employer details: Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro, TR1 3LJ. Website: https://www.royalcornwall.nhs.uk/
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