About this role
Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced, compassionate and inspirational Head of Nursing to join and provide professional leadership across a defined portfolio of care services. The postholder will be responsible for ensuring the delivery of high-quality, safe and person-centred care while supporting the strategic and operational objectives of the division.
As a key member of the divisional leadership team, you will work collaboratively with clinical, operational and corporate colleagues to drive improvements in quality, patient safety and patient experience. You will provide visible nursing leadership, support workforce development, strengthen governance arrangements and contribute to the implementation of the Trust's Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals Strategy.
This is a senior leadership role requiring an individual who can successfully balance quality, workforce, operational and financial priorities while maintaining an unwavering commitment to delivering outstanding patient care and supporting our people to thrive.
Please note that this vacancy may close earlier than the advertised closing date if a high volume of applications is received.
Main duties of the job
As Head of Nursing, you will
Provide visible, compassionate and credible professional leadership to nursing and allied health professional teams across the division. Lead improvements in patient safety, clinical quality and patient experience, ensuring learning is embedded and improvements are sustained. Ensure robust clinical governance, risk management and regulatory compliance across all services. Lead workforce planning, recruitment, retention, succession planning and professional development initiatives.
Promote high professional standards, accountability and evidence-based practice in line with the NMC Code and national guidance. Monitor quality, workforce and performance information to identify risks, provide assurance and drive measurable improvements. Support the development of integrated care pathways and collaborative working across organisational and system boundaries. Lead responses to incidents, complaints, audits and inspections, ensuring learning is translated into service improvement.
Support effective financial and workforce management, ensuring resources are used safely and efficiently. Foster a culture of inclusion, innovation, psychological safety and continuous improvement where staff feel valued, supported and empowered to deliver excellent care. Deputise for the Divisional Director of Nursing when required and represent the division at Trust-wide and system-level forums.
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 Head of Nursing is a senior clinical leader responsible for the strategic and operational delivery of high-quality, safe and compassionate nursing care across a defined group of services. The postholder will provide expert professional leadership, ensuring the delivery of person-centred care, excellent patient outcomes and compliance with national standards and regulatory requirements.
Working in partnership with divisional, corporate and clinical leaders, you will lead the development and delivery of nursing strategies aligned to Trust priorities, supporting service transformation, innovation and continuous improvement. You will ensure nursing perspectives influence strategic decision-making and organisational development while maintaining a strong focus on patient safety, quality and experience.
You will hold professional leadership responsibility for nursing services within your portfolio, providing direction, support and oversight to senior nursing teams including matrons, advanced clinical practitioners, clinical nurse specialists and other nursing leaders. You will ensure safe staffing levels, appropriate skill mix and sustainable workforce plans are in place to meet current and future service demands.
The role requires significant leadership of clinical governance arrangements, including oversight of risk management processes, incident investigations, complaints management, quality assurance programmes and regulatory compliance. You will use quality, workforce and performance data to identify opportunities for improvement, mitigate risks and provide assurance regarding the quality and safety of care delivered.
You will be a visible and accessible leader who champions professional standards, supports staff wellbeing and promotes a culture where learning, innovation and continuous professional development are encouraged. Working closely with education providers and system partners, you will lead workforce development initiatives, support succession planning and create opportunities for career progression across nursing services.
The successful candidate will work collaboratively with multidisciplinary colleagues, Integrated Care System partners and external stakeholders to improve population health outcomes, reduce health inequalities and develop integrated models of care. You will actively promote patient and public involvement, ensuring feedback and lived experience shape service development and improvement initiatives.
We are looking for an experienced senior nurse who is currently registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council and has a proven track record of leading complex clinical services, workforce transformation and quality improvement programmes. You will possess excellent communication, influencing and relationship-building skills, alongside the resilience and leadership capability required to operate effectively within a complex and fast-paced NHS environment.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- NMC Registered Nurse or Registered Midwife
- Educated to Masters level or equivalent senior leadership experience
- Evidence of ongoing professional development in leadership, management, or clinical practice
Desirable
- Completion of NHS Leadership Academy programme or equivalent (e.g. Mary Seacole, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson)
- Qualification in coaching, mentoring, or change management
Experience
Essential
- Significant experience in a senior nursing or midwifery leadership role (Band 8a or above)
- Proven track record of leading service improvement, transformation, and innovation
- Experience managing complex clinical services across multiple care groups or specialties
- Experience of working across organisational boundaries and in system-level collaboration
- Experience of leading investigations, complaints, and clinical governance processes
- Experience of strategic workforce planning and talent development
- Experience of working with regulators (e.g. CQC, NHSE) and external stakeholders
Desirable
- Experience of contributing to research, quality improvement, or academic programmes
- Experience of leading maternity transformation or midwifery-specific initiatives (if applicable)
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)