Job overview
We are seeking an exceptional and passionate individual to join our team as Head of Nursing for Children’s Services. This is a pivotal leadership role with an opportunity to make a difference to children, families, and staff across our Trust.
As Head of Nursing, you will champion the delivery of child-centred care that is safe, effective, and tailored to the unique needs of each child. You will help create a child-friendly environment, ensure safeguarding standards are met, and promote dignity, privacy, and respect in every interaction. Your leadership will inspire teams to go above and beyond, making a difference to the lives of children and their families.
We provide a comprehensive and integrated approach to the care of infants, children, and young people within both the acute and community setting. We have a dedicated Nursing Team inclusive of community, specialist and school nurses supporting children within schools and their home.
If you are passionate about nursing, ready to take on a new challenge, and want to make a lasting impact, we would love to hear from you. Apply now and help us deliver outstanding care for every child, every time.
Main duties of the job
1. Provide professional leadership for all nurses within Children’s Services across the Trust and community settings ensuring the highest standards of clinical and professional care.
2. Lead and develop the nursing workforce, supporting Matrons, Lead Nurses, and Managers to deliver safe, effective, and compassionate care.
3. Drive the patient safety agenda, clinical governance, and quality improvement initiatives.
4. Advise on complex nursing care and delivery issues, working closely with the Associate Chief Nurse and wider senior leadership team.
5. Manage nursing resources, workforce planning, and performance, ensuring efficient use of budgets and adherence to Trust policies.
6. Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and professional development.
7. Represent the Trust at internal and external forums, acting as an ambassador for children’s nursing.
8. There will also be an element of this role that will support key workstreams in the Adult Community Directorate and this will be discussed further at interview. The Head of Nursing role will reach into Community to support elements of both patient experience and clinical governance.
Working for our organisation
To find out more about what it is like to work for our Trust please visit the following link:
Our benefits
We offer a range of benefits to support our staff including:
9. Access to the NHS Pension Scheme, providing generous benefits upon retirement, as well as a lump sum and pension for dependants
10. 27 days holiday rising to 33 days (depending on NHS Trust service)
11. A variety of different types of paid and unpaid leave covering emergency and planned leave
12. Confidential advice and support on personal, work, family and relationship issues, 24/7, from our Employee Assistance Programme
13. NHS Car Lease scheme and Cycle to Work scheme
14. An extensive range of learning and development opportunities
15. Discounts on restaurants, getaways, shopping, motoring, cinema and finance from a range of providers
For further information on the fantastic range of benefits we offer please visit the Trust's dedicated Staff Benefits pages.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
A full description of the role is available in the attachment: job description.
Please note that if a high number of applications are received this advert may close early. You are advised to submit your application at the earliest opportunity.
Working for the Trust
Across our organisation, people are guided by values that were co-developed with staff: we are kind; we are open; and we pursue excellence.
Our values play into our ambition to develop a more diverse workforce, truly representative of our communities. We welcome applications from everyone, while working with our Staff Networks - including our Race Equality, LGBTQ+, Disability and Carers Networks - to increase the number of applications we receive from different backgrounds. If there is anything we can do to make our application process more accessible to you, please contact: .
As part of seeking to become more inclusive, we will consider requests for flexible working from the start of your employment. It may not be suitable for every role, but we will try and be supportive where we can. We would encourage you to speak to the recruiting manager named within this advert to discuss any requirements you may have.
Armed Forces Friendly Employer
We are holders of the Gold Award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, which is helping actively promote SaBRE - Supporting Britain’s Reservists and Employers. This means that we have made a statement of intent to support all Defence personnel, including with applications for employment.
Person specification
Education, Qualifications and Training
Essential criteria
16. Registered Childrens Nurse
17. Relevant degree
18. Master’s degree or equivalent level of skill acquired through experience.
19. Formal teaching and assessing award.
20. Formal management qualification or equivalent level of skill acquired through experience.
21. Evidence of ongoing relevant professional development
Experience & Knowledge Required
Essential criteria
22. Relevant experience in nursing management at Band 8a or above
23. Understanding and experience of clinical governance and quality management.
24. Proven experience of leading and delivering the patient safety agenda.
Desirable criteria
25. Community Services experience
Skills & Attributes
Essential criteria
26. Ability to prioritise and solve problems.
27. The ability to inspire confidence at all levels in the organisation
28. Communicate complex subjects effectively, both verbally and in writing.
29. Manage own time, incorporate planning, allocation, and evaluation of work effectively within a prioritisation system.
Desirable criteria
30. Evidence of working across boundaries, influencing, and developing staff and working with multiple stakeholders.
Aptitude & Personal Qualities
Essential criteria
31. Demonstrate inspirational leadership skills.
32. Accepts responsibility for their own personal and professional development as well as the development of others.
33. Ongoing personal continuing professional development throughout management career.
34. Ability to participate in 24 hours on call hospital management rota.
Values, Drivers & Motivators
Essential criteria
35. Ability to demonstrate our organisational values and behaviours.