An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our team of Matrons at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust. We are looking to appoint a Matron for Children’s Services for a six-month fixed term contract at Worthing Hospital. In this role, you will have the opportunity to help shape the future direction of our children's services and take part in hospital-wide initiatives to improve patient care and experience. We are keen to hear from individuals who have experience working at a senior nurse level within children's services and are keen to embrace change and provide visible nursing inspiration. You will provide leadership and direction to designated teams, which will include ward and specialist nursing teams. As Matron, you will have responsibility for the delivery of high quality, responsive, safe, and effective care that improves patient outcomes and patient experience. Proven skills and a working knowledge of leading, and an ability to demonstrate excellent communication skills are required. We welcome applications from those who currently hold a UK NMC registration. If you hold an overseas nursing qualification and require sponsorship, we are not currently direct hiring Internationally Qualified Nurses. The post holder will support the Directorate Lead Nurse and Clinical Director to ensure that high quality patient-focused care is delivered within their designated areas and throughout children’s services. The post holder will lead and manage the Ward Managers and Specialist Nursing teams to ensure that high quality patient-focused care is delivered. They will work closely with the CYP Mental Health Lead Nurse to support, develop, and deliver effective pathways of care within Children's Services. The post holder will actively participate in the clinical and operational management of children’s services acting as a highly visible, clinical leader and role model whilst ensuring the provision of quality patient care, sharing expertise with colleagues. The post holder will lead the governance assurance framework for their designated areas. The post holder will promote learning, professional curiosity and hold others to account. The post holder will lead the educational and training programmes for their designated teams working in collaboration with our Practice Development teams. 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 our Wellbeing 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. The Matron will support the Directorate Lead Nurse in the delivery of key performance targets. They will be accountable for the provision of effective professional nursing leadership and proactive resource management for their clinical areas. As an experienced practitioner, the post holder will be expected to focus on providing a safe and clean environment for care, ensuring best practice in infection control, improving clinical care standards, and treating patients with dignity and respect. The post holder will: Act as a positive role model through the provision of effective professional leadership and demonstration of competent, accountable clinical practice for their area. Provide day-to-day visible, accessible, and authentic leadership in clinical areas. Ensure the delivery of patient care is of the highest standard. Support and promote the wellbeing of the clinical teams. Actively support the Division in the provision of high quality, modern, dynamic and patient-centred services in the clinical area. Provide support to patients and their relatives/carers. Be responsible for optimising patient flow and access through their areas of responsibility. Be responsible for the performance management of Ward Managers and Specialist Nurses to ensure delivery of healthcare standards and Trust objectives. Provide support to the Directorate Lead Nurse and deputise for them as required. Act as an expert resource in relation to paediatric nursing care, sharing expertise with colleagues. Work closely with teams in the Division and other disciplines across the Trust to ensure a seamless clinical service is provided to patients attending acute services. Work closely with teams within Worthing General Hospital and across UHSx to share working processes, procedures and ensure seamless patient pathways. Work closely with operational managers and clinical leads to improve and maximise patient pathways and develop services for children and young people. Be involved in operational management across children’s services. For full details please see attached job description and person specification.