Job overview
****** THIS POSITION IS ONLY OPEN TO CURRENT UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS NHS FOUNDATION TRUST EMPLOYEES ******
An exciting opportunity has arisen in the Cancer Division to become the Ward Manager for Courtyard ward. It is a 17 bedded unit in the Courtyard building, this will be relocated into the new cancer hospital when it opens in 2029
This post would suit a dynamic individual with good leadership skills to co-ordinate the unit’s nursing team daily activities. Applicants must have a SACT competency and demonstrate evidence of recent professional development and a leadership qualification. You will be supported within your role by the clinical matron.
Please note that this role is a secondment opportunity. Before applying you must seek agreement and authorisation from your current line manager. Secondments can’t be agreed without your current manager’s approval. If you are unable to gain your managers approval you should refrain from applying unless you wish to take this role as a fixed term position.
Main duties of the job
The ward manager will be an integral member of the divisional management team supporting the division in the delivery of all key performance targets. They will be accountable for the provision of effective professional nursing leadership and proactive resource management for the clinical area of their responsibility. 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 within the define resource allocated.
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
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria. For example, applicants for the Senior HCA role must be able to evidence a minimum of 2 years’ experience in the same role to qualify for sponsorship.
If you are applying using a Graduate visa as your right to work, you must have a minimum of 18 months remaining on your visa at time of application.
The Unit/Ward Leader will be an integral member of the divisional management team supporting the division in the delivery of all key performance targets. They will be accountable for the provision of effective professional nursing leadership and proactive resource management for the clinical area of their responsibility. 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 within the defined resource allocated.
Person specification
Qualifications and Experience
Essential criteria
1. NMC Registered Nurse
2. Mentorship course or equivalent e.g. PS/PA
3. Excellent ability to co-ordinate the work of multidisciplinary team on own ward.
4. Ability to understand KPI’s and basic information on performance.
5. Evidence of excellent ability to monitor the quality of work in others, to identify their learning and development needs and devise strategies to meet those needs.
6. Ability to participate and implement the development of nursing practice.
7. SACT trained and Triage competency
8. Extensive experience within Cancer services
9. Diploma or Degree in Nursing
Desirable criteria
10. Immediate Life Support or Advanced Life Support
11. PFIS or quality improvement training.
12. Evidence of experience of conflict resolution
13. Experience in management of change in accordance with Trust policy.
14. Demonstrated ability to understand ward budgeting and maintaining resources within that budget limit
15. Evidence of performance management skills
16. Cancer module or training course
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
17. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
18. 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