Job overview
We are offering an exciting 6-month interim opportunity for a compassionate and experienced nursing leader to join the Surgery division as Interim Divisional Director of Nursing. This role has been created on an interim basis while we review and refine our operating model.
Interviews will be in-person on Thursday 14th August 2025 (location to be confirmed).
Main duties of the job
Working as part of a triumvirate with the Divisional Director of Operations and Chief of Service, you will provide strategic and professional leadership to nursing, midwifery, and AHP teams across a complex and high-performing division. This is a key leadership role focused on delivering exceptional patient care, driving quality improvement and embedding a culture of safety and compassion.
You will lead on clinical governance, patient experience, workforce development, and operational performance while ensuring alignment with the Trust’s vision, values, and strategic goals.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, & we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & 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, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack & wellbeing programme, for staff which is extensive & designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching & training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us & throughout your career we will help you to grow & develop. We hope that in choosing UHSx you are choosing a long & happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make & feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application & the start of your journey with UHSx.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
We are looking for someone with significant senior leadership experience in nursing, proven expertise in clinical governance, and a passion for empowering teams. If you are ready to influence care at scale and champion nursing excellence, we welcome your application.
Person specification
Professional Registration
Essential criteria
1. Registered Nurse/Midwife
Qualifications
Essential criteria
2. 1st Level / 1st Level Degree
3. Master’s level qualification or evidence of post graduate study
4. A comprehensive / specialist understanding of the safeguarding children and adults’ processes
Desirable criteria
5. Leadership training
6. Management training
7. Management qualification, or additional short courses or experience to Doctorate level
Skills
Essential criteria
8. Considerable experience at senior nurse level (e.g. Matron) in an acute Health Care setting
9. Extensive knowledge of complex and acute (staff management/financial management and change management) including sound knowledge of public involvement.
10. Extensive knowledge of and experience in the operational management of hospital services
11. Sound understanding of Health Service policy
12. Sound understanding of the National nursing and patient agendas
13. Advanced management / leadership experience of clinical teams
14. Sound understanding of Clinical Governance and Risk Management processes.
15. Clinically credible Sound medical or clinical judgement
16. Ability to convey highly complex and contentious messages
17. Able to lead, motivate and influence individuals both within and external to the organisation
18. To facilitate good working relationships with other colleagues across Trust and Health Economy
19. Able to interpret complex information and take appropriate action and to provide expert advice as a result
20. Demonstrate political judgement and intellectual flexibility
21. Identify and interpret trends taking appropriate action as required
Desirable criteria
22. Service improvement methodology training
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Essential criteria
23. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
24. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
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