Job Description

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Head of Nursing - Urgent and Emergency Care (Band 8c)



Lead. Inspire. Transform Emergency and Urgent Care.



This role provides strategic and operational leadership to our workforce across UEC, working as part of the Directorate triumvirate leading with visibility and compassion--ensuring high-quality, safe, and patient-centred care, while fostering a culture of empowerment, professionalism, and continuous improvement.

As Head of Nursing , you will:

Provide inspirational leadership to Matrons and senior nursing teams across all UEC services.

Champion the highest standards of clinical care, safety, and patient experience.

Lead the operational delivery of the nursing strategy, ensuring excellence in infection prevention, workforce planning, and clinical governance.

Drive innovation, service improvement, and workforce transformation in response to priorities.

Represent UEC at Trust, system, and regional forums--advocating for outstanding, responsive, and compassionate care.



We are looking for a dynamic, resilient, and visionary nurse leader with significant experience and a proven track record in improving clinical outcomes and leading teams through transformation. You will bring energy, credibility, and the ability to inspire others to deliver exceptional care under pressure.



For an informal discussion please contact Sarah Budden sarah.budden@nhs.net



Provide visible and compassionate nursing leadership across the Directorate, supporting the Medical Director and Directorate Manager to ensure safe, high-quality, and efficient patient care.



Lead, support, and hold Matrons and senior nursing staff to account for maintaining professional standards, governance, and compliance with CQC and Trust requirements.



Drive improvements in patient safety, clinical quality, infection prevention and control, and patient experience through effective leadership and collaboration.



Lead the delivery of the nursing and midwifery strategy within the Directorate, ensuring alignment with the Trust's values and the principles of the 6Cs.



Oversee workforce planning, establishment reviews, and the professional development of nursing staff, promoting a culture of learning and accountability.



Contribute to strategic and service development initiatives, supporting innovation and transformation in care delivery.



Act as a visible role model and advocate for patients, staff, and the nursing profession, fostering a culture of compassion, inclusion, and excellence.



Represent the Directorate internally and externally, providing expert advice and leadership on nursing and quality matters.



We are a people business - where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust has great opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment. We offer all of this in a vibrant, modern city with a historic reputation for adventure. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE ELECTRONIC, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT REGULARLY. If you have any issues with applying online and need additional support including reasonable adjustments with the application process please contact the recruitment manager for this post who will put you in touch with the recruitment team. We recognise that work life balance is important for our colleagues and so we invite requests from applicants around less than full time/flexible working for our advertised roles. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss this prior to your application submission. We commit to giving this full consideration in each case. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, as diversity strengthens our teams. It is sometimes necessary to close vacancies before the closing date. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been shortlisted.

Job Overview:

Head of Nursing - Urgent and Emergency Care



The Head of Nursing will work in partnership with the Directorate Medical Director and Directorate Manager, forming a key part of the Directorate's senior leadership team to ensure the effective, safe, and efficient running of services. The post holder will provide strategic and operational nursing leadership, driving excellence in clinical standards, quality, safety, and patient experience while ensuring compliance with Trust policies, national guidance, and regulatory standards.



As the senior nursing leader for the Directorate, the post holder will be accountable for the professional leadership and development of the nursing and midwifery workforce, including Clinical Matrons and Directorate Matrons. They will promote a culture of continuous improvement, professional accountability, and compassionate care, ensuring nursing practice reflects the Trust's values and the principles of the 6Cs -- care, compassion, competence, communication, courage, and commitment.



Working as part of the Directorate's triumvirate leadership team, the Head of Nursing will:



Lead on the delivery of the nursing and midwifery strategy within the Directorate.



Ensure high standards of care, patient safety, and infection prevention and control are maintained.



Drive improvements in clinical quality, governance, workforce planning, and operational performance.



Support the achievement of key performance indicators (KPIs) and compliance with CQC standards.



Act as a visible and accessible leader, engaging with staff, patients, and families to promote a positive experience of care.



Contribute to strategic service development, workforce transformation, and continuous professional development across the Directorate.



Represent the Directorate internally and externally, providing expert professional advice and contributing to Trust-wide initiatives and programmes.



This role requires a highly motivated, credible, and compassionate nursing leader who can balance operational demands with strategic vision, ensuring that nursing services are safe, effective, efficient, and aligned to the Trust's overall mission and values.



For full job details and responsibilities please refer to the job description and person specification document.