Job summary We are looking for 2 whole time equivalent permanent heads of midwifery to lead our four acute maternity units, community midwifery and specialist midwifery service. We welcome people to apply if they require less than full time employment. We are looking for applicants from a range of protected characteristics and underrepresented groups. We are a disability friendly organisation and have the available support where required during all stages of the application process once you tell us your needs. We require inclusive, inspirational, compassionate and experienced midwifery leaders who will drive forward our Maternity Improvement Programme and lead our dedicated and passionate multidisciplinary teams. We are one of the largest maternity services in England; around 9,000 babies are born with us each year across 4 sites and a large, complex and diverse geographical area. Sussex is a beautiful county with a great mix of rolling countryside and vibrant seaside cities and towns, it is a fabulous place to live and work. Our maternity service is on a journey of improvement working with the Maternity Safety Support Programme. We are approaching exit from the programme with demonstrable progress having been made since entry in 2022. The Heads of Midwifery posts are pivotal to the success of the continued development of the service. Main duties of the job The Head of Midwifery role is a key position within the Maternity Senior Leadership Team, reporting to the Director of Midwifery. The role will support the day-to-day delivery of high standards of care across all care pathways and services within the maternity service.The post holder will be pivotal in the delivery of development programmes, midwifery recruitment and retention, measuring and improving standards of care and the service user experience, in accordance with agreed objectives, targets, quality standards, controls and resource constraints.The post holder will be highly visible in all clinical areas and will demonstrate a leadership approach which is underpinned by the values of the Trust.They will contribute to the design, implementation, and evaluation of the improvement plan for Maternity services for the Trust in line with local and national policies. They will support the team objectives by developing services and leading maternity projects to influence service redesign.They will support the Service User Experience Agenda to include the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy in collaboration with the Consultant Midwife / Director of Midwifery. About us At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust. We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in ourWellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves. As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do. We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex. Date posted 05 November 2024 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 8c Salary £74,290 to £85,601 a year Per annum Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time, Part-time Reference number 279-6599388-OCT24 Job locations Royal Sussex County Hospital & Haywards Heath Hospital or Worthing & Chichester Worthing BN11 2DH Job description Job responsibilities Please see job description for full details of the role and structure of the midwifery leadership team. Job description Job responsibilities Please see job description for full details of the role and structure of the midwifery leadership team. Person Specification Essential Essential Registered midwife Masters qualification or evidence of masters level study Formal leadership qualification Evidence of at least 3 years experience of leadership at 8a or above Evidence of successful use of Quality Improvement methodology Evidence of recent (last 2 years) operational management experience Desirable Previous experience as head of midwifery Evidence of system working and/or engagement with external stakeholders Evidence of Board level or senior level presentation Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Essential Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role). Person Specification Essential Essential Registered midwife Masters qualification or evidence of masters level study Formal leadership qualification Evidence of at least 3 years experience of leadership at 8a or above Evidence of successful use of Quality Improvement methodology Evidence of recent (last 2 years) operational management experience Desirable Previous experience as head of midwifery Evidence of system working and/or engagement with external stakeholders Evidence of Board level or senior level presentation Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Essential Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role). 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). Additional information 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 University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279) Address Royal Sussex County Hospital & Haywards Heath Hospital or Worthing & Chichester Worthing BN11 2DH Employer's website https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)