About this role
Job summary
Provide visible leadership monitoring professional high standards and provide professional development of nurses and AHP's at all levels within the Clinical Group.
Be an integral part of the Divisional Management Team within Newborn Services, in the delivery of key objectives related to NMAHP, to the Division and to the Clinical Group.
Lead on improvement work streams and projects aligned to the delivery of the Trust strategy aims within the Clinical Group.
Support the "One MFT" clinical leadership approach by working collaboratively with multi-professional colleagues.
Work in collaboration with Trust corporate colleagues supportingrelevant agendasbuilding for research and innovation within the Clinical Group.
Who Should Apply:
We are seeking experienced nursing leaders currently working at Band 8a or above, who:
Have a proven track record of delivering high standards of governance, safety, and service improvement.
Demonstrate inclusive, compassionate leadership and an ability to inspire teams.
Are ready to contribute to Clinical Group priorities and shape the future of nursing and AHP's in the Maternity and Newborn Services Division.
Main duties of the job
The Lead Nurse will support the Head of Nursing in the professional development of nurses and allied health professionals (AHP) at all levels within the Clinical Group and will champion and embed a culture of quality improvement, research and innovation (R&I), ensuring that all services are of high quality now and in the future.
The Lead Nurse will provide clinical and professional leadership and line management to nursing and allied health professional (AHP) staff across the Care Division. The post holder will be accountable to the Care Division's Head of Nursing, providing visible leadership across a clinical service setting, monitoring and maintaining professional high standards. The post holder is an innovative and dynamic practitioner committed to delivering high standards of patient care, with a focus on quality, patient safety and compliance and patient experience. The post holder will also participate in the delivery of clinical governance and any regulatory and / or statutory requirements pertinent to the Care Division.
The Lead Nurse will be an integral member of the Care Division management and senior nursing team, providing support to implement and monitor progress on delivery of the Trust strategy and objectives within the Care Division. The post holder will support the Head of Nursing in defining the Care Division's nursing and AHP objectives to meet Trust strategic aims ensuring that quality standards and statutory and regulatory requirements are met.
About us
Join Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and become part of a 30,000 plus strong team, delivering exceptional care to over 1 million people every year. As the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe, we are forward-thinking, committed to clinical excellence and driven to deliver innovation, and continuous improvement.Whether you're beginning your career or taking the next step, MFT offers a stimulating and supportive environment where your contribution truly matters. Our Hive Electronic Patient Record system enables safer, smarter, and more efficient ways of working - empowering you to deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients.
You'll be part of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary community, working alongside professionals from a wide range of clinical backgrounds. Together, we push boundaries, share knowledge, and deliver care that transforms lives.
At MFT, you'll find a workplace where everyone is respected, supported, and encouraged to thrive. We offer clear clinical pathways for professional development, helping you grow your skills and achieve your ambitions.
Your journey at MFT is more than a job - it's an opportunity to make a lasting impact. We'll support you as you shape the future of healthcare, one patient at a time.
Job description Job responsibilities
To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll need for this role, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Supporting Documents heading.
Explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place
To help you feel confident, prepared and fully informed before you apply, we invite you to exploreInside MFT Your Candidate Place. This welcoming onestop hub gives you a real sense of who we are what we stand for, how we reward and support you, and the many ways we care for you as you care for others. Youll also find practical hints and tips for submitting a great application, along with the essential information you need to know before you apply.
To access Inside MFT Your Candidate Place', simply click on the relevant PDF document under the Documents to download sectionand once opened, you can either scan or click on the QR code.
Closing vacancy listings early
We welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.To help us manage applications fairly and give each one the time it deserves,ouradvertsmay close early if we receive a high level of interest.Early applications are thereforeencouraged.
Diversity MattersMFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application
Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, were proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOUfor our patients, our communities, and each other.As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your applicationespecially personal statements and responses to role-specific questionsis written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.
Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
First level registration (RN Child or equivalent). Neonatal Qualification in Speciality Current NMC registration or registered with another professional body where applicable and appropriate. Educated to Degree / Master's level or equivalent training and experience. Teaching qualification or equivalent experience. Evidence of relevant study and continuing professional development. Operational management experience at Matron level or above. Post registration leadership development.
Knowledge Essential
Knowledge of the professional development agenda in the NHS. Evidence of implementing and managing change using service improvement methodologies to improve services or patient experience. Understanding of the principles and practice of performance improvement and key performance indicators. Experience in management of staff in line with Human Resources policies and procedures
Desirable
Knowledge of regulatory and NHS strategy which impacts on education provision and experience of developing strategies to address changes. Experience in delivering research and development in practice. Experience in delivering service changes which require staff consultation processes.
Training and Experience Essential
Knowledge and experience of clinical audit. Knowledge and understanding of NHS Long Term Plan and implications for clinical leadership development. Current knowledge of relevant professional and NHS Policy Initiatives. Experience in managing projects to identified milestone and budget allocation. Ongoing recent evidence of leading clinical innovation or leading change within clinical practice. Effective leadership skills in relation to managing staff with ability to motivate and develop others.
Desirable
Experience of business planning. Proven achievement in developing policy and service objectives, establishing and implementing innovative solutions.
Skills and Abilities Essential
Evidence of strong leadership skills, demonstrated in the Paediatric Critical Care setting Strategic thinker. Ability to make decisions in a pressured environment. Excellent interpersonal skills and experience in interdisciplinary working/communication. Initiative, planning and finishing skills evidence. Ability to produce reports, action plans, both written and verbal, with the ability of persuade and influence. Ability to ensure a balance between empowering others to act and holding to account in order to achieve agreed targets and objectives. Ability to work at a strategic level representing the trust to external stakeholders. Ability of implement organisational change including the development of effective teams. Evidence of managing project budgets and providing reports in line with project milestones.
Attributes Essential
Enthusiasm and inspirational skills. Commitment to equality, diversity and human rights. Appreciation of and astuteness in political issues. Highly developed interpersonal skills. Team leader/player.
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 Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Address Newborn Services - Multi Site
Oxford Road
Manchester
M13 9WL
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://mft.nhs.uk/careers/ (Opens in a new tab)
