Job summary An opportunity has arisen for a motivated candidate to join us as Deputy Divisional Director of Nursing for Surgical Division. The Deputy Divisional Director of Nursing is a key member of the Divisional Leadership Team responsible for the delivery of quality care and professional nursing standards and the development of nursing leadership capacity within the Division. They are also a key member of Surgical Nursing Team responsible for supporting the delivery of quality care, professional nursing standards, the development of nursing leadership capacity and monitoring of governance across the division. Please note this recruitment process will involve an interview and assessment centre. Interview/assessment Centre will be held on Friday 2nd May 2025, subject to change. Main duties of the job The Deputy Divisional Director of Nursing will be a highly visible, proactive and accessible leader, acting as a role model and providing expert nursing and a quality resource and ensuring the sustained delivery of high standards of care and service delivery, to nursing staff, patients and the public. To contribute to the strategic direction and implementation of the corporate objectives within the Division. To provide nursing leadership to the matrons and clinical nurse specialists providing support, guidance and direction to achieve optimal effectiveness, the quality agenda and clinical and financial outcomes. To play a lead role within the Division for ensuring the governance structure and processes are in place, that appropriate risk management including incident review management and shared learning takes place and that assurance of quality are provided to the care group. About us Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust serves a population of over 600,000 with a workforce of over 9000 dedicated and skilled staff across 21 sites. We strongly believe that the communities we serve should all have access to Five Star Patient Care. Our Services: Acute Care Providing emergency and maternity services at Whiston, Southport and Ormskirk hospitals, and medical and surgical specialties across all our sites. Primary Care Providing primary care services at Marshalls Cross Medical Centre situated in St Helens Hospital. Community Services Providing adult community services for St Helens and a wheelchair service in Chorley, South Ribble, and West Lancashire. Our inpatient unit at Newton Community Hospital is where patients needing acute hospital beds can continue rehabilitation, freeing up space for more unwell patients. We also provide urgent care at our Urgent Treatment Centre located in St Helens town centre. Specialist Regional Services We provide the Mersey Regional Burns & Plastic Surgery Unit at Whiston Hospital and the Spinal Injuries Unit at Southport Hospital to more than 4 million people across the whole of Merseyside, West Lancashire, Cheshire, Isle of Man and North Wales. Achievements: o Rated Outstanding by CQC Inspection August 2018 oTop 100 places to work in the NHS (NHS Employers & Health Service Journal) oNational Preceptorship Accreditation (2023) for Nursing & AHP Preceptorship Programme Date posted 27 March 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 8c Salary £74,290 to £85,601 a year per annum Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 409-S7033624 Job locations Whiston Hospital Warrington Road Prescot L35 5DR Job description Job responsibilities LEADERSHIP AND PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT To adhere to and uphold their clinical Professional Code of Conduct at all times. To provide clear and consistent professional leadership to all clinical and nursing staff within the Division, advising, supporting and influencing leadership and development. To be visible, accessible and approachable to staff, patients and the public so that open and honest communication channels are created and effective assessments of care delivery can be undertaken. The post holder will lead on nursing care delivery for the Division, bringing together all component parts to ensure improved patient experience, safety and clinical outcomes, target compliance and financial balance. To provide a key interface between the Corporate Nursing and Quality Team and the Divisions reporting on issues of care and delivery, staff development, staff performance and sickness.To work flexibly across the Division deputising for the Divisional Director of Nursing as required and to lead projects on behalf of the Division as appropriate. To maintain an overview of patient and public involvement work within the Division and ensure the continued development of this and opportunities for service development, leading as required. In conjunction with the Divisional Director of Nursing and ensure the continued development of clinical practice to take account of research and development within the framework of the clinical strategy. To advise the Divisional Director of Nursing and Divisional management team on issues of professional standards and service developments and identify the nursing staff implications of these. To act as a resource person to administrative staff within the Division on clinical, quality and nursing issues and to provide accurate information, advice and support to the multidisciplinary team, patients and their relatives To ensure the Division communicates effectively with all other departments in the Trust in a professional and productive manner at all times, providing a responsive service to the Trust. To ensure that the Division is fully aware of the Trust Safeguarding Procedures and that strategies and plans are in place across the Division to accurately identify children and vulnerable adults with safeguarding issues. In conjunction with the Divisional Medical Director and Divisional Director of Operations, contribute to the strategic direction of the Division aligned with the Trusts values, objectives and principles and responding to the national policy agenda. To work co-operatively with the senior Divisional leadership team to enable the achievement of change and the improvement in performance, initiating and leading projects as required. To ensure that processes are in place within the Division to optimise the quality and efficiency of patient pathways that enables the service to manage within the agreed resources. To contribute to the development, implementation and monitoring of the business plan. To support others in managing their devolved budgets maximising resources, including staff, equipment and time In conjunction with the Divisional Director of Nursing & Quality carry out regular skill mix reviews as requested ensuring the established figures meet the needs of the Division and the Trust and actively participate in clinical workforce planning ensuring this is fit for purpose To actively support the recruitment, selection and induction of nursing staff within the Division, ensuring the strategy is aligned with that of the Division and Trust. To be responsible for having processes in place which facilitate staff individual performance review and a personal development plan to ensure standards and NMC Revalidation are achieved. CLINICAL QUALITY AND SAFETY To provide a high clinical profile through regular walk rounds of clinical areas and through regular quality ward rounds and clinical working as agreed with the Divisional Director of Nursing To implement systems across the Division which facilitate the increased clinical profile and contribution to the quality and safety agenda. To support a culture of continuous quality improvement, formally evaluating standards of care and leading in the implementation of changes and developments in the light of such findings. To participate in the Trust wide quality initiatives as directed by the Deputy Director of Nursing & Quality. Working with the Divisional Leadership and Clinical teams to ensure that processes and systems are in place for the provision of high quality care identifying appropriate remedial action to address any areas of concern ` To work closely with the Assistant Director of Governance and the Divisions Senior Management team to develop and operationalize an integrated strategy for governance, with a specific focus on all aspects of clinical and non-clinical risk management. To understand the implications of CQUINS and other drivers of quality and support and lead on the required actions and changes to practice to ensure compliance. To ensure the Division responds to appropriate NICE Guidelines, NCEPODS etc; the submission of evidence and documentation to external bodies such as CQC is prepared and to chair meetings as appropriate. To work closely with the Divisions Managers and Clinical Leads, taking a lead in the investigation and resolution of complaints and serious incidents (SIRIs) within the Care Group, ensuring that appropriate remedial action is taken, To develop close and effective working relationship with the Trust Legal advisers, Patient Advice and Liaison and the Complaints office to assist in complaint resolution. To work with the Divisional Director of Nursing to ensure that systems are in place to comply with health and safety protocols, directives and legislation and that evidence is available and assurance provided as required. To be proactive in identifying areas for improvement and implement remedial action as necessary. To work in close association with the other Divisional and Deputy Divsional Directors of Nursing and Quality ensuring joint working, excellent communication and that adequate provision is made for cross cover during periods of leave. To be responsible for promoting and embedding processes that optimise patient journeys including nurse led discharge. To ensure a clear meeting structure exists for nursing and governance within the Division to promote proactive communication To work in partnership with the Divisional management team to ensure Division and trust objectives are met in relation to workforce, service delivery, clinical quality and safety and financial control. To take a lead role for the Division in ensuring that systems are in place to monitor and improve compliance and continuous improvement with infection control, quality of the clinical environment and the uniform and dress code. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, EDUCATION AND TRAINING To ensure that professional and direct care staff receive appropriate training, education, development and appraisal to increase motivation and effectiveness. To ensure that the learning experience for students is of high quality and fit for purpose. To oversee an effective appraisal process within the Division ensuring systems are in place to further personal development of all staff in line using inhouse and commissioned education opportunities effectively. To support the matrons and ward manager leadership development. To encourage practice development and use of evidence based practice at ward level. To encourage participation in research activities when opportunities arise. Job description Job responsibilities LEADERSHIP AND PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT To adhere to and uphold their clinical Professional Code of Conduct at all times. To provide clear and consistent professional leadership to all clinical and nursing staff within the Division, advising, supporting and influencing leadership and development. To be visible, accessible and approachable to staff, patients and the public so that open and honest communication channels are created and effective assessments of care delivery can be undertaken. The post holder will lead on nursing care delivery for the Division, bringing together all component parts to ensure improved patient experience, safety and clinical outcomes, target compliance and financial balance. To provide a key interface between the Corporate Nursing and Quality Team and the Divisions reporting on issues of care and delivery, staff development, staff performance and sickness.To work flexibly across the Division deputising for the Divisional Director of Nursing as required and to lead projects on behalf of the Division as appropriate. To maintain an overview of patient and public involvement work within the Division and ensure the continued development of this and opportunities for service development, leading as required. In conjunction with the Divisional Director of Nursing and ensure the continued development of clinical practice to take account of research and development within the framework of the clinical strategy. To advise the Divisional Director of Nursing and Divisional management team on issues of professional standards and service developments and identify the nursing staff implications of these. To act as a resource person to administrative staff within the Division on clinical, quality and nursing issues and to provide accurate information, advice and support to the multidisciplinary team, patients and their relatives To ensure the Division communicates effectively with all other departments in the Trust in a professional and productive manner at all times, providing a responsive service to the Trust. To ensure that the Division is fully aware of the Trust Safeguarding Procedures and that strategies and plans are in place across the Division to accurately identify children and vulnerable adults with safeguarding issues. In conjunction with the Divisional Medical Director and Divisional Director of Operations, contribute to the strategic direction of the Division aligned with the Trusts values, objectives and principles and responding to the national policy agenda. To work co-operatively with the senior Divisional leadership team to enable the achievement of change and the improvement in performance, initiating and leading projects as required. To ensure that processes are in place within the Division to optimise the quality and efficiency of patient pathways that enables the service to manage within the agreed resources. To contribute to the development, implementation and monitoring of the business plan. To support others in managing their devolved budgets maximising resources, including staff, equipment and time In conjunction with the Divisional Director of Nursing & Quality carry out regular skill mix reviews as requested ensuring the established figures meet the needs of the Division and the Trust and actively participate in clinical workforce planning ensuring this is fit for purpose To actively support the recruitment, selection and induction of nursing staff within the Division, ensuring the strategy is aligned with that of the Division and Trust. To be responsible for having processes in place which facilitate staff individual performance review and a personal development plan to ensure standards and NMC Revalidation are achieved. CLINICAL QUALITY AND SAFETY To provide a high clinical profile through regular walk rounds of clinical areas and through regular quality ward rounds and clinical working as agreed with the Divisional Director of Nursing To implement systems across the Division which facilitate the increased clinical profile and contribution to the quality and safety agenda. To support a culture of continuous quality improvement, formally evaluating standards of care and leading in the implementation of changes and developments in the light of such findings. To participate in the Trust wide quality initiatives as directed by the Deputy Director of Nursing & Quality. Working with the Divisional Leadership and Clinical teams to ensure that processes and systems are in place for the provision of high quality care identifying appropriate remedial action to address any areas of concern ` To work closely with the Assistant Director of Governance and the Divisions Senior Management team to develop and operationalize an integrated strategy for governance, with a specific focus on all aspects of clinical and non-clinical risk management. To understand the implications of CQUINS and other drivers of quality and support and lead on the required actions and changes to practice to ensure compliance. To ensure the Division responds to appropriate NICE Guidelines, NCEPODS etc; the submission of evidence and documentation to external bodies such as CQC is prepared and to chair meetings as appropriate. To work closely with the Divisions Managers and Clinical Leads, taking a lead in the investigation and resolution of complaints and serious incidents (SIRIs) within the Care Group, ensuring that appropriate remedial action is taken, To develop close and effective working relationship with the Trust Legal advisers, Patient Advice and Liaison and the Complaints office to assist in complaint resolution. To work with the Divisional Director of Nursing to ensure that systems are in place to comply with health and safety protocols, directives and legislation and that evidence is available and assurance provided as required. To be proactive in identifying areas for improvement and implement remedial action as necessary. To work in close association with the other Divisional and Deputy Divsional Directors of Nursing and Quality ensuring joint working, excellent communication and that adequate provision is made for cross cover during periods of leave. To be responsible for promoting and embedding processes that optimise patient journeys including nurse led discharge. To ensure a clear meeting structure exists for nursing and governance within the Division to promote proactive communication To work in partnership with the Divisional management team to ensure Division and trust objectives are met in relation to workforce, service delivery, clinical quality and safety and financial control. To take a lead role for the Division in ensuring that systems are in place to monitor and improve compliance and continuous improvement with infection control, quality of the clinical environment and the uniform and dress code. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, EDUCATION AND TRAINING To ensure that professional and direct care staff receive appropriate training, education, development and appraisal to increase motivation and effectiveness. To ensure that the learning experience for students is of high quality and fit for purpose. To oversee an effective appraisal process within the Division ensuring systems are in place to further personal development of all staff in line using inhouse and commissioned education opportunities effectively. To support the matrons and ward manager leadership development. To encourage practice development and use of evidence based practice at ward level. To encourage participation in research activities when opportunities arise. Person Specification Qualifications Essential Clinical qualification with NMC/HCPC Registration Degree level or equivalent experience Masters degree or equivalent experience Mentorship course Recognised management or leadership course Knowledge & Experience Essential Significant management experience at band 8a level and above in an acute NHS organisation Experience of successfully managing a ward / unit / department A track record of continuous managerial, educational and professional development Evidence of managing complex resource issues (human and financial) Demonstrable experience of effective change management resulting in improved outcomes Experience of managing conflict Evidence of working effectively with clinicians & MDT Evidence of implementation of a range of quality and clinical governance initiative to develop practice A track record of managing innovation and service improvement Experience of patient involvement and improving patient experience Experience of complaints management and resolution Demonstrable knowledge of issues within nursing, the quality agenda, and the current NHS agenda Demonstrable knowledge of risk management processes and clinical governance Understanding of research and evidence-based nursing practice Experience of complex report writing (e.g., Level 2 Serious Incident Review Investigation Reports) Experience of audit Desirable General business management experience Experience of deputising for Divisional Director of Nursing or equivalent Experience and training in service improvement Skills Essential Evidence of first-class interpersonal skills and the ability to use them to work effectively within an MDT to motivate and develop staff Excellent verbal and written communication skills Skilled at working with groups of patients and users Proven ability to work across organisational boundaries Experience of gathering and analysing complex information Excellent computer skills Demonstrable ability to compile reports from complex information and deliver presentations Evidence of leadership skills Proven ability to manage complex and changing workload which includes the ability to identify and resolve conflicting priorities within tight timeframes Desirable Strategic planning skills Person Specification Qualifications Essential Clinical qualification with NMC/HCPC Registration Degree level or equivalent experience Masters degree or equivalent experience Mentorship course Recognised management or leadership course Knowledge & Experience Essential Significant management experience at band 8a level and above in an acute NHS organisation Experience of successfully managing a ward / unit / department A track record of continuous managerial, educational and professional development Evidence of managing complex resource issues (human and financial) Demonstrable experience of effective change management resulting in improved outcomes Experience of managing conflict Evidence of working effectively with clinicians & MDT Evidence of implementation of a range of quality and clinical governance initiative to develop practice A track record of managing innovation and service improvement Experience of patient involvement and improving patient experience Experience of complaints management and resolution Demonstrable knowledge of issues within nursing, the quality agenda, and the current NHS agenda Demonstrable knowledge of risk management processes and clinical governance Understanding of research and evidence-based nursing practice Experience of complex report writing (e.g., Level 2 Serious Incident Review Investigation Reports) Experience of audit Desirable General business management experience Experience of deputising for Divisional Director of Nursing or equivalent Experience and training in service improvement Skills Essential Evidence of first-class interpersonal skills and the ability to use them to work effectively within an MDT to motivate and develop staff Excellent verbal and written communication skills Skilled at working with groups of patients and users Proven ability to work across organisational boundaries Experience of gathering and analysing complex information Excellent computer skills Demonstrable ability to compile reports from complex information and deliver presentations Evidence of leadership skills Proven ability to manage complex and changing workload which includes the ability to identify and resolve conflicting priorities within tight timeframes Desirable Strategic planning skills 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 Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Address Whiston Hospital Warrington Road Prescot L35 5DR Employer's website https://www.merseywestlancs.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)