About this role
Job summary
The Band 6 Sister/Deputy Ward Manager is an experienced registered nurse who must be able to communicate and collaborate effectively with colleagues at all levels of the nursing, midwifery, and multidisciplinary teams. The post holder is expected to represent their department professionally, supporting both the Clinical Leadership Team and the wider clinical workforce in the delivery of high-quality, standardised, evidence-based care.
The role requires the provision of effective, holistic, individualised, and patient-centred care to patients and their families, ensuring that care is delivered to the highest possible standards. The post holder is responsible for maintaining evidence-based practice at all times, continually developing their knowledge and skills in line with Trust policies, best practice guidelines, multidisciplinary working, and the NMC Code.
As a senior member of the ward team, the Band 6 Sister/Deputy Ward Manager demonstrates strong leadership skills, contributes actively to service improvement and development, and supports the implementation of change to enhance patient outcomes and experience. The post holder works collaboratively within the team to support, supervise, and develop junior staff and students, fostering a positive learning environment that encourages professional growth, continuous development, and high standards of care.
Main duties of the job
Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care, ensuring individualised, holistic, and evidence-based care is delivered in partnership with patients, families, carers, and the multidisciplinary team. Coordinate the delivery of care across the ward/department, ensuring patient needs are met safely, effectively, and compassionately. Act as a clinical role model, providing specialist knowledge, advice, and support to nursing colleagues, healthcare professionals, patients, and relatives.
Maintain accurate, timely, and comprehensive patient records in accordance with Trust policies, professional standards, and legal requirements. Ensure patients and relatives receive clear, accurate, and sensitive information, enabling them to participate in decisions regarding their care and treatment. Support the implementation of clinical guidelines, policies, and evidence-based practice, participating in audits and quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient outcomes.
Work collaboratively with Ward Managers, Matrons, Heads of Nursing, and the multidisciplinary team to continuously improve standards of care, patient safety, and patient experience. Promote health education and wellbeing by providing patients and families with information and support to maintain healthy lifestyles and self-manage health conditions where appropriate.
About us
The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave; a national programme thats changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector.
This means were working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives.
Were a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.
Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The Band 6 Sister/Deputy Ward Manager is responsible for supporting the Ward Manager in the leadership, operational management, and clinical governance of the ward or department, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, safe, effective, and patient-centred care. The post holder will act as Deputy in the absence of the Ward Manager, taking responsibility for the day-to-day management of the clinical area, including patient flow, staff deployment, resource management, and maintaining standards of care.
The post holder will provide visible clinical leadership, acting as a role model for professional practice and ensuring that care is delivered in accordance with Trust policies, national guidelines, evidence-based practice, and the NMC Code. They will lead and coordinate the nursing team, supporting staff to deliver compassionate, individualised care while promoting a positive patient experience.
The role includes responsibility for workforce management, supporting the Ward Manager with staff supervision, appraisal processes, attendance management, sickness monitoring, return-to-work interviews, performance management, recruitment, retention, and staff development. The post holder will identify training and development needs, support mandatory training compliance, and create a learning environment that encourages professional growth for registered nurses, support workers, apprentices, and students.
The Deputy Ward Manager will ensure the effective utilisation of human, financial, and physical resources, maintaining safe staffing levels and skill mix to meet the changing needs and acuity of patients. They will contribute to rota planning and coordinate care delivery to ensure the department runs efficiently and safely at all times.
The post holder will be responsible for monitoring and maintaining clinical standards, undertaking audits, supporting quality improvement initiatives, investigating incidents and complaints, and implementing actions to improve patient safety and service delivery. They will recognise, escalate, and manage risks appropriately, ensuring that concerns relating to patient care, staffing, safeguarding, infection prevention and control, or health and safety are addressed promptly.
Working collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team, the post holder will ensure effective communication with patients, relatives, carers, and colleagues, providing clinical expertise, guidance, and support in complex situations. They will contribute to service development and the implementation of local and national initiatives to continuously improve quality, patient outcomes, and staff experience.
The role requires the ability to work independently, make informed clinical and operational decisions, prioritise workload effectively, and respond to changing demands within a busy clinical environment. The post holder will maintain their own professional development, competency, and revalidation requirements while promoting a culture of excellence, accountability, equality, diversity, inclusion, and continuous improvement across the department.
The post holder will be expected to demonstrate flexibility in working practices and undertake any other duties appropriate to the grade and scope of the role, supporting the wider objectives of the Trust and ensuring the provision of outstanding patient care.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Registered Nurse (part 1 register)
- Evidence of presentation/teaching skills
- Evidence of continued professional development
- Leadership and mentorship courses
Desirable
- Evidence of presentation/teaching skills
Experience
Essential
- Ability to assess, plan care and evaluate care for a variety of patients
- Recent post registration experience within the relevant clinical setting
Desirable
- Previous experience working in acute ward setting
- Experience of supervising others
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.
Employer details
Employer name
The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust
Address
The Princess Alexandra Hospital
Harlow
Essex
CM20 1QX
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.pah.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)