Job overview
We are looking for a clinically credible midwife with a broad range of midwifery experience and exceptional clinical ability to lead our inpatient maternity team at the Princess Royal Hospital, Haywards Heath. We need someone who possesses strong clinical leadership and who has excellent communication and networking skills, able to support the maternity team on our journey to outstanding.
You will need to be self -motivated, enthusiastic and have a distinct passion for maternity services and a drive for continuous improvement in maternity safety and experience.
The post-holder will be responsible for driving high quality care provision in the maternity services. Areas of responsibility will include the Delivery Suite, Antenatal/Postnatal ward and the Maternity Assessment Units.
This is a part-time post, Job-share with current post holder, with on-call commitment.
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
The post holder will ensure that within their areas of responsibility, that the 'Best Possible Maternity Care every time' is delivered to women and their families: which is the provision of a safe, effective and progressive midwifery service to women.
To provide dynamic, professional leadership and direction, to efficiently operationally manage the service, lead the teams, to ensure that both performance (quality and safety) and budgetary objectives are met within defined areas of responsibility.
To maintain a high quality, working environment in which staff can maximise their potential and further develop their skills in clinical practice.
To be an accessible and visible presence across all wards and departments within the given areas of responsibility, advising staff, women and their families.
To work collaboratively with other Matrons in the Trust, contributing to the development and delivery of both Trust and Divisional objectives and assisting in the delivery of the governance agenda.
To be responsible for setting and monitoring clinical standards and to play a proactive role in quality improvement, whilst demonstrating an awareness of the impact of each clinical area's activity, interacting with other areas to provide a seamless service.
To take responsibility for operational management of the service and to provide oversight of a clinical area, as delegated by the Head of Midwifery.
To undertake regular Senior Midwifery Manager on Call duties.
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
To provide visible leadership through motivation and supervision of staff to ensure high standards of care for women, people who birth and their families within maternity.
To support the Head of Midwifery in providing an efficient and effectively managed maternity department Act as a positive role model through the provision of effective professional leadership and demonstration of competent, accountable clinical practice.
The Post holder will provide visible professional leadership, advice and support to midwives, nurses and support workers, acting as a clinical expert and as a resource for all staff within Maternity
The post holder will through appropriate staff training and updating, ensure that midwifery care is evidence based and delivered by competent and confident practitioners according to Trust policies and procedures.
To support the Head of Midwifery in providing an efficient and effectively managed service.
Ensure the delivery of patient care is of the highest standard.
Ensure safe staffing within their areas of responsibility, assist the Band 7 midwives and ward Leads to manage sickness appropriately.
The post holder will ensure that the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) standards, Midwifery Rules, National and Trust Policies, Procedures, Standards and Guidelines are adhered to throughout the Division. Contribute to the achievement of clinical governance and risk management strategy.
The postholder will support the Head of Midwifery in strategies for workforce planning.
The postholder will continue personal professional development to maintain their professional midwifery registration.
Ensure appraisals and development plans are completed for staff, be responsible for the performance management of ward managers and some clinical midwifery specialists to ensure delivery of healthcare standards and Trust objectives.
Please see Job Description and Person Specification for full details.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. Experienced Midwife
2. Midwifery degree
3. leadership and management experience
4. Mentorship or equivalent
Desirable criteria
5. Masters in midwifery
6. Leadership course
7. PMA
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Essential criteria
8. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
9. 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