Job overview
****** THIS POSITION IS ONLY OPEN TO CURRENT UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS NHS FOUNDATION TRUST EMPLOYEES ******
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.
The role of the Matron in an Emergency Department has never been more challenging, rewarding or important. As we navigate unprecedented pressures, increasing patient demand, and the transformation of our physical and operational spaces—it’s an exciting time for a leader who thrives in dynamic environments to join our ED team.
Strong, compassionate and inspirational Leaders are now more critical than ever in driving innovation, fostering high-quality patient care, and leading their teams through transformation, ensuring we can meet the needs of our patients and prepare for the future of emergency care.
We're looking for a dynamic leader with a solid foundation in operational and managerial leadership within the Emergency specialties. Your focus on the development and sustainability of services will span safety, day to day operational demands, finance, quality, and experience for patients and staff. The ideal candidate will have a passion for delivery, an interest in governance and safety and extensive experience in Emergency Department. Working closely with the UTC Matron you'll play a pivotal role in driving clinical and operational improvements ensuring we constantly deliver safe, efficient and compassionate care. By fostering a culture of high performance, you will ensure the provision of sustained high-quality services and standards at SRH ED. Together, we will challenge traditional systems and redefine what it means to deliver outstanding healthcare.
Main duties of the job
Your role will be central to the day-to-day management and operational responsibilities, while your ability to communicate change effectively will inspire and engage the ED team and wider acute floor MDT.
The successful applicant will work alongside our UTC Matron and will support an experienced team of Band 7 senior nurses in providing leadership across the ED Department to support the delivery of high-quality patient experience, care safety and regulatory compliance for St Richards Hospital UEC.
We are looking for someone with operational and managerial leadership within the Emergency and Acute specialties and who has a clear focus on the development and sustainability of services both from a safety, finance, quality, outcomes, and experience perspective. You will have a clear vision and passion for service change, delivery, and transformation. Our ideal candidate will have experience in Emergency Department/Major trauma nursing.
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.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The Matron will support the Directorate Head of Nursing (HON) in the delivery of key performance targets. S/he will be accountable for the provision of effective professional nursing leadership and proactive resource management for their clinical area. As an experienced practitioner the post holder will be expected to focus on providing a clean environment for care, ensuring best practice in infection control, improving clinical care standards and treating patients with dignity and respect.
For full details please see the attached job description and person specification.
Person specification
Experience
Essential criteria
1. Extensive experience at ward manager level or equivalent managerial role
2. Excellent professional and leadership skills with evidence of successfully managing high-performing teams.
Skills
Essential criteria
3. Evidence of excellent ability to demonstrate a problem solving approach and have evidence to demonstrate actions arising have been implemented
Qualifications
Essential criteria
4. Registered General Nurse
5. Post registration qualification
6. Masters level qualification or equivalent professional knowledge acquired through degree/diploma supplemented by specialist training or equivalent experience to masters level
7. Certificate in Teaching and Assessing Clinical Practice (or equivalent)
8. Mentorship
9. Leadership or management qualification (or equivalent)
10. Evidence of excellent managerial, leadership and organisational skills
11. Extensive experience at ward manager level or equivalent managerial role
12. Evidence of ability to motivate and develop all teams of nursing staff across the division
13. Evidence of ability to work across professional teams and organisational boundaries
14. Proven track record of being able to delegate and prioritise
15. Evidence of excellent appraisal skills
16. Evidence of excellent understanding of Trust policies and procedures and ability to translate these into action
17. Evidence of excellent understanding of Trust Personnel policies and Procedures. Experience in their use is essential.
18. Evidence of excellent understanding of UHSussex Trust Nursing Strategy and ability to disseminate to all grades of Staff.
19. Evidence of Performance Management skills
20. A sound understanding of National Nursing and Patient Agendas.
21. An understanding of Clinical Governance and the application to practice.
22. Substantial experience at Ward Manager level
23. Excellent clinical skills and the ability to implement these in practice
24. Up to date and evidenced based knowledge of current clinical and professional issues
Desirable criteria
25. Evidence of ongoing professional development at Masters level
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
26. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
27. 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