New CAMHS Inpatient Unit (previously Chalkhill) | Haywards Heath
Lead the reopening of a newly redesigned CAMHS inpatient service and help shape the future of acute mental health care for young people in Sussex.
This is a rare opportunity to take on a senior leadership role within a newly redeveloped Children and Young People's Mental Health Inpatient Unit reopening in Autumn 2026 following extensive co-design, investment and service transformation.
We are creating a modern, therapeutic and compassionate inpatient environment for young people aged 12–17, built around trauma-informed care, strong multidisciplinary working and meaningful outcomes for young people and families.
Why this role stands out
* Opportunity to lead a newly reopened CAMHS inpatient unit from the beginning
* Shape the culture, standards and direction of a redesigned service
* Work within a strengthened MDT model with safe staffing and enhanced therapeutic provision
* Significant senior leadership visibility and support
* Extensive pre-opening induction and team development programme
* Real opportunity to influence practice, workforce development and service improvement
Who can apply
We're looking for experienced:
with strong inpatient leadership experience and a passion for improving outcomes for children and young people.
You'll ideally have:
* Experience leading teams within acute or inpatient mental health settings
* Strong operational and people management skills
* Experience managing quality, safety and clinical governance
* Confidence supporting workforce development and service improvement
* A compassionate, visible and collaborative leadership style
The role
As Ward Manager, you will provide overall leadership and operational management for the inpatient ward.
You will play a central role in building and sustaining:
* A positive ward culture
* High clinical standards
* Safe and effective care
* Staff wellbeing and development
* Strong partnership working with families and external agencies
You'll work closely with the Band 7 Clinical Nurse Specialist and wider MDT, jointly supporting quality, safety and culture across the ward with support from the Matron and senior leadership team.
Your responsibilities will include:
* Leading the day‑to‑day management of the ward and workforce
* Maintaining safe staffing, rota management and workforce planning
* Supporting delivery of high‑quality, evidence‑based care
* Embedding trauma‑informed and autism‑aware practice
* Leading on governance, safeguarding, risk management and incident learning
* Supporting recruitment, supervision and staff development
* Managing resources and supporting service improvement initiatives
* Acting as a visible clinical leader and role model across the service
About the service
The redesigned CAMHS inpatient model includes:
* Purposeful admissions with early review points
* A structured 7‑day therapeutic programme including evenings and weekends
* Strong links with the COAST Crisis Outreach Team
* Enhanced MDT working and duty doctor provision
* Trauma‑informed and autism‑aware approaches
* Reduced restrictive practice and improved therapeutic engagement
* Lived experience roles embedded within the pathway
This is a service focused on delivering safe, relational and recovery‑focused care for young people experiencing acute mental health difficulties.
Location
Based in Haywards Heath, West Sussex:
* Under 45 minutes to London by train
* Easy access to Brighton, the Sussex coast and the South Downs
* On‑site parking available
What we offer
* Comprehensive pre‑opening induction and team development programme
* Strong senior leadership and MDT support
* High‑quality supervision and reflective practice
* Leadership development and CPD opportunities
* NHS Pension Scheme and Agenda for Change benefits
* Opportunity to shape and influence a developing service
Why join this team?
This is an opportunity to do more than manage an existing ward — it's an opportunity to help build a new inpatient culture from the ground up.
You'll join a service focused on:
* Compassionate and trauma‑informed care
* Strong leadership and staff wellbeing
* Clinical quality and innovation
* Family and carer involvement
* Creating better inpatient experiences for young people in crisis
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