Job Description

We are looking for an experienced and passionate Practice Development Sister / Education Lead to join our dedicated team at the Somerset Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.This is an exciting opportunity to take a leading role in shaping the future of neonatal care within a highly specialist environment.You will drive service improvement through the development and implementation of evidence-based policies, lead on education and training for nursing and medical staff, and ensure the highest standards of clinical practice. Working closely with the Unit Manager and wider multidisciplinary team, you will foster a culture of learning and innovation, supporting staff development and enhancing patient outcomes.This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on clinical expertise, making a real difference to the care of some of the most vulnerable babies and their families.
Main duties of the job

• Lead service improvement by developing, implementing, and auditing national and local policies and guidelines in line with best practice.
• Design and deliver specialist training programmes for nursing and medical staff, ensuring compliance with service requirements.
• Manage learners and students in collaboration with universities and education teams.
• Support the Unit Manager in all aspects of neonatal service management, assuming full responsibility in their absence.
• Provide highly specialist clinical care for critically ill and vulnerable newborns, including planning and delivering complex care and performing advanced procedures.

About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.
We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.
The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.
Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Details
Date posted
31 December 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 7
Salary
47,810 to 54,710 a year
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
184-OL-GR-3967
Job locations
Musgrove Park Hospital
Musgrove Road
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 5DA
Job description
Job responsibilities
As Practice Development Sister / Education Lead, you will:

• Take responsibility for the ongoing development of neonatal services, ensuring adherence to national standards and evidence-based practice.
• Lead education initiatives, including study days, induction programmes, and competency assessments for nursing and medical staff.
• Act as a key liaison with universities and educational bodies, supporting student placements and fostering a learning culture within the unit.
• Assist in operational management, including staffing, rostering, and resource allocation, ensuring safe and effective service delivery.
• Maintain clinical expertise by providing hands-on care for extremely sick and vulnerable infants, performing advanced neonatal procedures such as ventilation management, venepuncture, and neonatal life support.
• Contribute to audit and quality improvement, using data to drive service enhancements and monitor compliance with national specifications.
• Uphold safeguarding standards, infection control, and health and safety requirements, ensuring a safe environment for babies, families, and staff.
• Represent the unit at regional forums, promoting best practice and collaborative working across networks.

Job description
Job responsibilities
As Practice Development Sister / Education Lead, you will:

• Take responsibility for the ongoing development of neonatal services, ensuring adherence to national standards and evidence-based practice.
• Lead education initiatives, including study days, induction programmes, and competency assessments for nursing and medical staff.
• Act as a key liaison with universities and educational bodies, supporting student placements and fostering a learning culture within the unit.
• Assist in operational management, including staffing, rostering, and resource allocation, ensuring safe and effective service delivery.
• Maintain clinical expertise by providing hands-on care for extremely sick and vulnerable infants, performing advanced neonatal procedures such as ventilation management, venepuncture, and neonatal life support.
• Contribute to audit and quality improvement, using data to drive service enhancements and monitor compliance with national specifications.
• Uphold safeguarding standards, infection control, and health and safety requirements, ensuring a safe environment for babies, families, and staff.
• Represent the unit at regional forums, promoting best practice and collaborative working across networks.

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Registered Nurse part 1, 7, or 10 of the NMC register.Specialist Neonatal Intensive Care Qualification.Teaching/Mentorship QualificationSupervisory Management QualificationNLS Instructor

Desirable

• Masters level educationR23 Enhancing Neonatal Nursing Care.

Experience
Essential

• Experience of clinical leadership of a team.Post registration experience in neonates.Teaching ability and experience.Ability to undertake complex drug and fluid calculations.Management experience

Additional Criteria
Essential

• Knowledge of relevant NHS legislation to include Clinical Governance, COSHH, Risk Management, Infection Control, Waste Management, Manual Handling, Confidentiality and Data Protection.In depth knowledge of Safeguarding Children policies.Current knowledge of evidence-based practice in neonatal nursing issues/national and regional service provision and managed clinical networks

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Registered Nurse part 1, 7, or 10 of the NMC register.Specialist Neonatal Intensive Care Qualification.Teaching/Mentorship QualificationSupervisory Management QualificationNLS Instructor

Desirable

• Masters level educationR23 Enhancing Neonatal Nursing Care.

Experience
Essential

• Experience of clinical leadership of a team.Post registration experience in neonates.Teaching ability and experience.Ability to undertake complex drug and fluid calculations.Management experience

Additional Criteria
Essential

• Knowledge of relevant NHS legislation to include Clinical Governance, COSHH, Risk Management, Infection Control, Waste Management, Manual Handling, Confidentiality and Data Protection.In depth knowledge of Safeguarding Children policies.Current knowledge of evidence-based practice in neonatal nursing issues/national and regional service provision and managed clinical networks

Skills Required