Job overview
****** THIS POSITION IS ONLY OPEN TO CURRENT UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS NHS FOUNDATION TRUST EMPLOYEES ******
We are looking for a highly motivated senior nurse to work with the Neurology, Stroke and Neuro rehab directorate in University Hospitals Sussex (UHSx). The role will include day to day management of inpatient and outpatient care. You will need to be able to work autonomously and as part of a collaborative team. The post holders time will spent their time between Worthing and St Richards Hospital
The successful candidate will be required to have extensive management, leadership, and clinical experience to ensure the implementation of the Trust objectives, to support, co-ordinate and supervise the activity of these networked services.
The successful candidate will work closely with the Ward Manager, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Senior nurses and Head of Nursing to:
1. Provide professional nursing support to the inpatient ward and specialist nursing teams and provide direct line management of unit managers.
2. Cross cover with the Operational manager and the Head of Nursing .
3. Uphold effective multi-disciplinary team relationships with medical, nursing and admin teams across the directorate, the wider division, Trust and network.
4. Play a key role in both managing risk and governance across the directorate and lead on operational and strategic elements of this, ensuring patient safety and quality care.
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 successful candidate will:
5. Provide visible leadership across the directorate and wider division / Trust.
6. Have on-going operational management of defined designated clinical areas, working with operational managers and Clinical Site Team to ensure patient flow through the hospital.
7. Ensure excellent patient experience and promote the full implementation of the Patient Experience Strategy. Responding swiftly to any concerns and working closely with the Patient Advocacy and Liaison Service, clinical teams, and patient groups
8. To participate in the senior management on-call rota
The Matron’s role will focus on:
9. Inclusive leadership, professional standards and accountability.
10. Governance, patient safety and quality.
11. Workforce planning and resource management.
12. Patient experience and reducing health inequalities.
13. Performance and operational oversight.
14. Digital and information technology.
15. Education, training and development.
16. Research and development.
17. Collaborative working and clinical effectiveness.
18. Service improvement and transformation.
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.
Candidate Pack
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Inclusive leadership, professional standards and accountability
19. Uphold and display the Trust values of Commitment, Care & Quality.
20. Demonstrate compassionate, inclusive, visible and authoritative leadership to Ward/Department Managers in order to ensure high quality patient centred clinical care is delivered.
21. Ensure nursing practice reflects current clinical developments and is evidence based.
22. Enhancement of own role and that of team members.
23. In conjunction with the Senior Nurse Leadership Team actively embed the Trust’s Nursing & Midwifery Strategy locally within areas of responsibility.
24. Lead on the improvement of nursing standards by promoting Essence of Care and Best Practice nursing care.
25. Participate in the development, use and evaluation of integrated care pathways.
26. Work as part of a local multi-disciplinary team, in developing models of care.
27. Demonstrate and maintaining clinical credibility by acting regularly as a clinical practitioner in own areas of expertise.
28. Work collaboratively in developing, leading and facilitating a seamless patient pathway through the service.
29. Represent the Division at designated meetings.
30. Deputise for the Head of Nursing as required.
31. Be the Line Manager for the Ward/Department within defined areas of responsibility.
32. To participate in the senior management on-call rota.
Governance, patient safety and quality
33. In partnership with the Divisional Director of Nursing and the Head of Nursing, implement a Divisional Clinical Governance Strategy.
34. Within clinical areas develop a culture to ensure that Nurses actively contribute to the development of Clinical Governance (incorporating Health & Safety, Patient Safety & Risk).
35. Be actively involved in relevant audits/risk managing.
36. Participate in shared governance forums to provide shared best practice and drive quality care provision within the Trust.
37. Ensure that the information governance agenda is embedded within the clinical areas.
38. In consultation with the Divisional Director of Nursing and the Head of Nursing, investigate accidents and incidents identifying clinical risks and implementing corrective action where necessary.
39. Co-ordinate relevant audit and monitoring data to assess standards of clinical care, staffing issues and patient activity providing assurance that services are delivering safe, high-quality care.
40. Facilitate the Trust’s complaints procedure, both formal and informal and respond proactively to patients/relatives’ concerns.
41. Lead debriefing and learning from practice to stop and reflect after challenging situations.
42. Ensure that all Wards/Departments/Clinical Areas have accurate patient information on the PAS system and that this is checked and reviewed at least weekly.
43. Ensure safeguarding practices and standards are followed, at all times.
Environmental cleanliness and Infection prevention and Control
44. In conjunction with the Ward/Department Managers actively support the Ward Housekeeper role in all relevant clinical areas.
45. Apply the hygiene code to ensure a clean and safe environment, liaising with the Facilities and Estates Teams in reviewing and improving the environmental infrastructure.
46. Establish effective administrative and support services for designated areas, including cleaning, laundry and catering services, in liaison with relevant managers.
47. Be responsible and accountable for delivering a safe and clean care environment.
48. In conjunction with colleagues (i.e. Director of Facilities and Estates and Chief Nurse) be responsible for updating the Matron’s Charter Action Plan and producing quarterly Matron Infection Control/Cleanliness Reports for consideration by the Trust Board.
49. In conjunction with the Director of Nursing, Director of Facilities and Estates and Director of Patient Safety be involved in setting initial service quality and standards and in the monitoring of contracts and service level agreements.
50. Produce infection control and related reports as requested by the Divisional Director of Nursing and the Chief Nurse/Director of Infection Prevention and Control.
51. In conjunction with the Divisional Management Team, actively participate in the implementation of the Code of Practice for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections.
Patient experience and reducing health inequalities
52. Support nursing staff to ensure that patients are always treated with dignity and respect and that the patient experience is appropriate to their individual needs.
53. Be highly visible and accessible to patients, relatives and staff in order to provide immediate assistance, advice and support, in liaison with Patient Advocacy and Liaison Service.
54. Promote the full implementation of the Patient Experience Strategy.
55. Ensure the care of the dying person and their family is culturally sensitive and is the best it can be.
56. Utilise the results of the National Audit for Care at the End of Life to develop service improvement plans.
57. Support the promotion of personalised care and the wider personal care agenda.
Performance and operational oversight.
58. Have on-going operational management of defined designated clinical areas, which include enabling ward/Department Managers in budget setting and control, recruitment and retention, close monitoring of temporary staff usage, professional development and patient management.
59. Actively participate in supporting the achievement of performance targets and Divisional Performance meetings.
60. Supporting patient flow through the hospital.
61. Have sound knowledge and experience of finance, budget and business planning processes and monitor these actively.
62. Work with the finance team to monitor and manage finance and activity targets.
63. Be engaged in setting budgets and activity.
Digital and information technology
64. Participate within the Division in embracing the power of technology and supporting a digital-ready workforce to deliver a digital healthcare service.
65. Keep abreast of the technological and digital solutions such as those indicated in the Topol Review (2019).
66. In conjunction with Ward/Department Managers, ensure that staff access electronic communications such as e-update.
Education, Training and Development
67. Participate in the Trust’s Clinical Leaders development programme and other appropriate developmental opportunities.
68. Develop an active role in the leadership academy framework.
69. Work with and empower Ward/Department Managers in assessing skills needed for practice, identifying any deficits in this and developing/commissioning programmes to address these issues.
70. In conjunction with Ward/Department Managers, support training needs analysis and the CPD application process for appropriate staff.
71. Actively participate in the supervision and appraisal of Ward/Department Managers establishing performance objectives and facilitating individual development opportunities.
72. Work closely with the Ward/Department Managers and Education Teams to ensure staff achieve required level of competency.
73. In conjunction with the Divisional Director of Nursing and their Deputy, implement new approaches to continual professional development.
74. Keep up to date with apprenticeship opportunities and promote these and other new roles.
75. Support the clinical areas within the area of responsibility to be excellent learning environments for all students to include robust supervision.
76. Work closely with the Ward/Department Managers and Practice Education Facilitators to encourage students to work in the Trust on qualification.
77. Support areas to consistently meet mandatory and essential training targets.
78. Undertake talent mapping and participate in talent management processes with Divisional Leadership colleagues and Ward/Department Managers.
Please see Job Description and Person Specification for full details.
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
Person specification
Qualifications and experience
Essential criteria
79. Registered nurse
80. Post registration qualification.
81. Masters level qualification or equivalent professional knowledge acquired through degree/diploma supplemented by specialist training or equivalent experience to masters level
82. Certificate in Teaching and Assessing Clinical Practice (or equivalent) Mentorship
83. Leadership or management qualification (or equivalent)
84. Experience at ward manager level or equivalent managerial role
Desirable criteria
85. Evidence of ongoing professional development at Masters level
86. Experience at ward manager level or equivalent managerial role in Neurosurgery or Major Trauma.
87. Neuroscience or Trauma course
88. Experience of management of change
89. Evidence of safeguarding experience
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
90. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
91. 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