Job Description

Are you an experienced Mental Health Nurse looking for the next step in your career?
If so, we might just have the role for you!
We have an exciting opportunity for a Deputy Ward Manager who can bring fresh ideas, determination and commitment to join us in taking our service forward in new and innovative ways. The role is based in our Gosfield mental health male acute ward at The Lakes, Colchester.
The successful candidate will be:

• A competent practitioner with a proven record of leadership skills as a RMH Nurse
• Able to take responsibility for the overseeing assessments of care needs and the development, implementation and evaluation of programmes of care for client requiring treatment.
• Responsible for ensuring safe staffing across the wards
• Be a first responder to emergencies

At EPUT we offer you Training and development opportunities to support through regular supervision and Appraisals to assist you in setting realistic objectives.
Main duties of the job
You will be able to demonstrate:

• Excellent risk assessment skills
• Communicate effectively, both written and verbally
• Demonstrate compassion, understanding, commitment, enthusiasm, and above all be highly motivated
• An understanding of the Recovery Model approach is essential, taking into account the needs of families and carer's, and become part of an established multidisciplinary team
• A high level of knowledge and philosophy of the 6 C's of care
• Active participation will be required in the training and education of learners allocated to the Mental Health Service, and to encourage integration between the Ward Team and the Crisis Resolution Home Treatment Team
• Delivery of the highest quality care for all our patients with acute mental health issues; with a positive attitude and a commitment to maintain EPUT's excellent customer care

About us
EPUT are looking for motivated staff who shares our Trust values of Care, Learn and Empower. In return, EPUT can offer you a range of benefits and development including;

• Season Ticket Loans
• NHS discounts for staff
• Excellent Training facilities and opportunities
• Buying and Selling annual leave scheme
• The opportunity to work bank shifts and expand knowledge and experience in other areas
• Salary Sacrifice schemes including lease cars and Cycle to Work
• Day One Flexible Employer

The Trust supports and actively encourages flexible working for all employees. We offer many options and you are encouraged to ask the recruiting manager what is possible for this role. If appointed, you will have the opportunity to apply for a flexible working request from the first day of your employment
Join our Staff bank
What is Staff Bank?
Our EPUT NHS staff bank is an entity managed by the trust that hires clinical and non-clinical healthcare professionals to take on shifts at our trust hospitals and community settings. Here at EPUT we maintain our own bank of specialist staff to ensure that we are able offer safe and effective care at all times.
All our permanent staff are automatically enrolled onto the staff bank however this does not mean you have to work any additional shifts, but the option is there for you if you wish.
If you are joining our Trust in a fixed term role, please indicate on your New Starter Paperwork that you wish to join our staff bank.
Details
Date posted
16 September 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 6
Salary
38,682 to 46,580 a year Per Annum
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
364-A-9366
Job locations
Gosfield Ward, The Lakes
Turner Road
Colchester
CO4 5JL
Job description
Job responsibilities
The responsibilities of the role are split between Key and Core Clinical Functions with a selection listed below. Please find full list of responsibilities within the attached .
Key responsibilities of the role:

• Responsible for the clinical leadership of a team of nurses in an Acute setting
• Responsible for the assessment implementation and evaluation of care plans for individual service users
• To assist the Ward Manager in setting and maintaining high standards of care and evaluating quality outcomes
• Participate in a range of assessments provided during a 24 hour period
• To take charge of the unit in the absence of the person with continuing responsibility,
• To teach and supervise the team, including qualified, non-qualified and learners
• Maintain good standards of communication, both oral and written, in accordance with NMC guideline

Core Clinical Functions

• Assist the Team Manager in the day to day operation of the clinical area, and the development of the team.
• Contribute to the development of the service by participating in forums/ steering groups/ meetings as required.
• Work collaboratively as a Key Worker within the multidisciplinary team, acting as a role model for good practice; this includes liaising with associated professionals and other agencies, and offering support and guidance to clinical team as necessary.
• Ensure effective communication with clients, carers, visitors and staff. Make effective use of evidence based practice in day to day clinical practice.
• Implement and ensure effective use of the Mental Health Act and Mental Capacity Act where necessary. Represent nursing team and provide reports for Managers Hearings and Mental Health Act Tribunals.
• Ensure safe standards apply to the administration of medication.
• Ensure adherence to Trust policies and procedures at all times. Assist with the development and/or revision of policies and procedures as necessary.
• Undertake other link roles for specified areas as required, including Infection Control, Health and Safety, PALS liaison and Student Placements.
• Take a lead and support colleagues in interventions relating to the management of violence and aggression, including de-escalation techniques and the use of physical intervention (DC&R techniques) as necessary.
• Ability to work flexibly over a 24 hour period in order to meet the operational requirements of the unit.
• Maintain effective relationships with service users, their relatives, friends and other carers.
• Maintain effective relationships with members of the Trust and other statutory and voluntary organisations

For more detail on this jobs role please see attached or contact our team. Job description
Job responsibilities
The responsibilities of the role are split between Key and Core Clinical Functions with a selection listed below. Please find full list of responsibilities within the attached .
Key responsibilities of the role:

• Responsible for the clinical leadership of a team of nurses in an Acute setting
• Responsible for the assessment implementation and evaluation of care plans for individual service users
• To assist the Ward Manager in setting and maintaining high standards of care and evaluating quality outcomes
• Participate in a range of assessments provided during a 24 hour period
• To take charge of the unit in the absence of the person with continuing responsibility,
• To teach and supervise the team, including qualified, non-qualified and learners
• Maintain good standards of communication, both oral and written, in accordance with NMC guideline

Core Clinical Functions

• Assist the Team Manager in the day to day operation of the clinical area, and the development of the team.
• Contribute to the development of the service by participating in forums/ steering groups/ meetings as required.
• Work collaboratively as a Key Worker within the multidisciplinary team, acting as a role model for good practice; this includes liaising with associated professionals and other agencies, and offering support and guidance to clinical team as necessary.
• Ensure effective communication with clients, carers, visitors and staff. Make effective use of evidence based practice in day to day clinical practice.
• Implement and ensure effective use of the Mental Health Act and Mental Capacity Act where necessary. Represent nursing team and provide reports for Managers Hearings and Mental Health Act Tribunals.
• Ensure safe standards apply to the administration of medication.
• Ensure adherence to Trust policies and procedures at all times. Assist with the development and/or revision of policies and procedures as necessary.
• Undertake other link roles for specified areas as required, including Infection Control, Health and Safety, PALS liaison and Student Placements.
• Take a lead and support colleagues in interventions relating to the management of violence and aggression, including de-escalation techniques and the use of physical intervention (DC&R techniques) as necessary.
• Ability to work flexibly over a 24 hour period in order to meet the operational requirements of the unit.
• Maintain effective relationships with service users, their relatives, friends and other carers.
• Maintain effective relationships with members of the Trust and other statutory and voluntary organisations

For more detail on this jobs role please see attached or contact our team.
Person Specification
Qualifications / Education
Essential

• RMN ENB 998 or equivalent

Desirable

• Evidence of continued professional development

Knowledge
Essential

• Ability to be a role model of good practice.
• Proven ability to work whilst under pressure.
• Knowledge of Mental Health Act & Mental Capacity Act.

Desirable

• Research and development skills and relevant qualification.

Skills and Experience
Essential

• Significant experience at Band 5.
• Evidence of post qualifying continued learning.
• Literate in IT/Computer Skills

Person Specification
Qualifications / Education
Essential

• RMN ENB 998 or equivalent

Desirable

• Evidence of continued professional development

Knowledge
Essential

• Ability to be a role model of good practice.
• Proven ability to work whilst under pressure.
• Knowledge of Mental Health Act & Mental Capacity Act.

Desirable

• Research and development skills and relevant qualification.

Skills and Experience
Essential

• Significant experience at Band 5.
• Evidence of post qualifying continued learning.
• Literate in IT/Computer Skills

Skills Required