About this role
Job summary
The post holder will provide expert autonomous care within an integrated sexual health service, delivering high-quality, evidence-based sexual and reproductive healthcare to the population of Enfield. Working within their scope of practice, they will assess, diagnose, treat and manage sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV prevention needs and contraception, including complex patient presentations.
Working closely with the Sexual Health Team, Senior Management Team, primary care providers and public health colleagues, the post holder will help ensure seamless, patient-centred care pathways. They will contribute to service development through clinical audit, quality improvement, governance, research and service evaluation activities.
The post holder will provide specialist advice and support to colleagues across clinic and community settings, including nurse-led services, ensuring safe, effective and compassionate care.
The post holder will champion an inclusive, non-judgemental approach, supporting vulnerable, marginalised and higher-risk populations to access services, improve sexual health outcomes and wellbeing. They will promote evidence-based practice and high standards of care across Sexual Health and the wider organisation, while supporting the education and development of nurses, students and other healthcare professionals through mentorship, supervision and clinical teaching, including guidance for Band 6 nurses and Band 3 support staff.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will provide expert autonomous care within an integrated sexual health service, delivering high-quality, evidence-based sexual and reproductive healthcare to the population of Enfield. Working within their scope of practice, they will assess, diagnose, treat and manage sexually transmitted infections, HIV prevention needs and contraception, including complex patient presentations.
Working closely with the Sexual Health Team, Senior Management Team, primary care providers, public health colleagues and statutory and voluntary organisations, the post holder will help ensure seamless, patient-centred care pathways. They will contribute to service development through clinical audit, quality improvement, governance, research and service evaluation.
The post holder will provide specialist advice and support to colleagues across clinic and community settings, including nurse-led services, ensuring safe, effective and compassionate care.
The post holder will champion an inclusive, non-judgemental approach, supporting vulnerable, marginalised and higher-risk populations to access services, improve sexual health outcomes and wellbeing. They will promote evidence-based practice and high standards of care across Sexual Health and the wider organisation, while supporting the education and development of nurses, students and other healthcare professionals through mentorship, supervision and clinical teaching, including guidance for Band 6 nurses and Band 3 support staff.
About us
Why Join Our Team?
At Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, we are committed to delivering outstanding, patient-centred care and improving health outcomes across our diverse communities. Our Sexual Health Service is an inclusive, innovative and forward-thinking team dedicated to reducing health inequalities and providing high-quality, evidence-based care.
You will join a skilled multidisciplinary team where collaboration, learning and continuous improvement are valued. We provide a supportive environment that encourages staff to contribute ideas, influence service development and deliver excellent patient care. Supported by experienced clinical leaders, you will have opportunities to develop your expertise, lead change and progress your career.
We are committed to staff wellbeing, work-life balance and professional development, recognising that a positive culture is essential to delivering high-quality services. Our team is united by respect, compassion, inclusivity and clinical excellence.
This is an exciting opportunity to join an ambitious service, make a meaningful difference to local communities and develop your career within one of the UK's largest and most respected NHS trusts.
Job description Job responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
The Band 7 Sexual Health Nurse Practitioner is accountable for maintaining and developing professional competence while providing expert clinical care and leadership within sexual health services. The post holder leads the nursing team through active participation in patient care, ensuring high standards of practice, patient experience and service delivery.
1. Clinical Responsibilities
1.1 Manage and prioritise a complex clinical caseload through effective triage, assessment, diagnosis and treatment of sexual health conditions, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and contraception needs.
1.2 Practise autonomously using advanced clinical skills, including Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) fitting and removal, bimanual examinations, PEP and PrEP assessment and provision, and management of complex cases.
1.3 Prescribe and supply medicines in accordance with Patient Group Directions (PGDs), local care pathways and NMC standards.
1.4 Promote STI prevention through partner notification and contact tracing.
1.5 Undertake safeguarding responsibilities, including Fraser Competency assessments, child protection and vulnerable adult assessments, and coordinate referrals with statutory and voluntary agencies.
1.6 Maintain expert clinical knowledge through continuing professional development and networking, ensure accurate clinical documentation, and act as a patient advocate promoting confidentiality, dignity, equality and culturally sensitive care.
1.7 Support the development of nurse-led and outreach services and contribute to the review of clinical policies, guidelines and protocols.
2. Responsibility for Patients
2.1 Provide holistic, patient-centred care, ensuring appropriate assessment, treatment and follow-up.
2.2 Coordinate referrals and collaborate with community and specialist services to ensure continuity of care.
2.3 Maintain clinical standards, respond appropriately to concerns and complaints, and ensure patients receive safe, effective and compassionate care.
3. Policy and Service Development
3.1 Lead and participate in clinical audit, governance, benchmarking and quality improvement initiatives to support high-quality, cost-effective care.
3.2 Represent the service at multidisciplinary meetings and contribute to achieving national, Trust and service objectives. Identify and manage risks to patient and staff safety, support patient and public involvement initiatives, and contribute to staff mentorship and assessment processes.
4. Financial and Physical Resources
4.1 Support effective management of equipment, supplies and clinical resources, ensuring value for money and compliance with service budgets.
4.2 Contribute to planning for future service needs and ensure equipment is maintained appropriately.
5. Leadership and Management
5.1 Provide clinical and professional leadership to nursing and multidisciplinary teams, fostering a supportive, equitable and high-performing culture.
5.2 Coordinate clinics, manage staffing and skill mix, support workforce development, facilitate training programmes and contribute to service improvement projects. Lead on implementing evidence-based standards, managing complaints, escalating concerns and ensuring compliance with Trust policies and procedures.
6. Information Resources
6.1 Maintain and promote high standards of clinical documentation and information management.
6.2 Support the development and implementation of policies, protocols and operational procedures, monitor service activity and performance, and ensure effective communication across teams and partner agencies.
7. Research, Education and Development
7.1 Maintain specialist expertise through professional development, audit, research and quality improvement activities.
7.2 Lead or contribute to clinical audits, service evaluations and innovation projects.
7.3 Support teaching, mentorship and competency development for staff and students, foster a positive learning environment, and promote evidence-based practice to continuously improve sexual health services.
Person Specification
Experience Essential
oExtensive experience of sexual health history taking, screening and examination of male and female clients. oProvision of medication under patient group direction oExperience/training in Sexual Health and Contraception oCounselling and provision of contraception oMicroscopy and Cryotherapy oExperience working with young people oExperience of working with vulnerable group
Desirable
oExperience of leading and managing a team
Education & professional Qualifications Essential
oRegistered nurse/midwife oRecognised Sexual health course oRecognized post registration qualification in Contraception and Sexual Health at degree or diploma level or willingness to complete oRecognized post registration mentorship course oIndependent prescribing or willingness to complete
Desirable
oIndependent prescribing or willingness to complete oEducated to Master's level or equivalent qualification/experience
Skills and Aptitude Essential
oHigher level clinical skills in the assessment, treatment and management of patients attending with sexual health needs oHighly developed communication skills oDeveloped teaching and assessing skills oCompetent in cytology oWillingness to undertake advanced contraception training i.e. Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC oDemonstrates the ability to influence others, share ideas and utilise feedback effectively oAbility to discuss sensitive sexual health issues non-judgementally oAbility to manage challenging conversations and conflict resolution oComputer skills
Desirable
oIntra-uterine device fitting competence oDemonstrates ability to build and maintain productive and positive relationships within the multi-disciplinary team oAbility to manage challenging conversations and conflict resolution oPresentation and teaching skills
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust
Address Enfield Sexual Health Clinics
4-5 Burleigh Way
Enfield Town
EN2 6AE
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.royalfreelondonjobs.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)