Job summary The Band 7 Ward Manager in 2B plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safe and effective delivery of patient care while driving service improvements and strategic objectives alongside the matron, consultants, and wider team. As a joint strategic nursing lead, the Ward Manager is responsible for maintaining safe staffing levels, managing patient flow, and working collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to meet the needs of patients and their families. With high visibility and clinical expertise, they serve as a role model for excellence in care, evidence-based practice, and leadership in line with UK law, NMC standards, and Trust policies. They actively contribute to clinical governance and quality frameworks, embedding a culture of continuous improvement. Additionally, they provide direct line management for a defined group of staff, ensuring adherence to HR policies and procedures, while also taking on divisional and Trust-wide responsibilities such as supporting surgical division staffing. Main duties of the job - To work alongside the Matron, the consultants and wider team to determine and deliver on service strategic objectives and to promote the overarching vision for the service - To take a joint strategic nursing lead to ensure the safe and effective delivery of care for patients within the defined clinical area - To take day to day responsibility for safe staffing levels and ensure capacity and patient flow - To work collaboratively and cohesively with the multidisciplinary team to meet the needs of patients and their families - To maintain high visibility and clinical expertise, role modelling high standards of care, evidence-based practice and effective leadership within UK law, NMC and Trust policies and guidelines. - To take an active role within clinical governance and quality framework, helping to embed the culture of continuous improvement - To directly 'line manage' a defined group of staff within Trust Human Resource policies and procedures - To undertake additional divisional and trust responsibilities as agreed, such as the support of surgical division staffing About us Gloucestershire Hospitals is one of the largest hospital trusts in England serving a diverse population of almost 620,000 people. We provide acute hospital services from two large district general hospitals, Cheltenham General Hospital and Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. Maternity Services are also provided at Stroud Maternity Hospital. Our people are at the heart of what we do. Our workforce is almost 9,000 strong and our caring and dedicated staff are recognised as providing good and outstanding patient-centred care across a range of clinical areas. We also have exceptional teams of professional services staff underpinning our vision every step of the way. We are committed to recruiting the best people to work with us to achieve our vision of providing Best Care for Everyone and our success depends on the commitment and dedication of our staff. We are committed to diversity, inclusion and equality of opportunity for everyone, valuing and celebrating differences and encouraging a workplace and culture where all can thrive. We endeavour to ensure each and every person working in our organisation feel respected and valued. Respecting and valuing differences will help to ensure that our policies and services reflect the needs and experiences of the people and community we serve. Date posted 18 February 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 7 Salary £46,148 to £52,809 a year per annum Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 318-25-T0159 Job locations Gloucestershire Royal Hospital Gloucester GL1 3NN Job description Job responsibilities Clinical - Directly deliver, coordinate and supervise patient care, ensuring that the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of care is of high standard, encompassing the Trust vision of best care for everyone - Deliver, demonstrate and supervise safe and appropriate care within a challenging and changing clinical environment, using highly specialised equipment and resources - Maintain visibility within the clinical area, role modelling high standards of care, evidence-based practice and effective leadership - Actively manage and professionally lead the nursing team as a key member of the multidisciplinary workforce - Work collaboratively and cohesively with the multidisciplinary team to meet the needs of patients and their families and provide high standards of care - Administer, demonstrate and supervise the delivery of medications, within the Procedure for the Ordering, Prescribing, and Administration of Medications (POPAM) guidelines - Take a key role in the implementation of any clinical initiative or introduction of new equipment - Take an active clinical leadership role and act as shift co-ordinator when required - Work continuously to promote and support clinical training, education and development of other staff Management - Work alongside the Matron, Band 7s, consultants and wider team to determine and deliver on strategic service objectives - Manage and lead the service within agreed standard operational procedures and support the development of new working practices as appropriate - Work alongside the matron to develop and implement action plans to achieve key performance indicators and ensure high standards of care - Work alongside site and operational delivery teams to maintain patient flow within agreed procedures, reduce patients length of stay and improve patient experience - Manage day to day safe staffing levels and escalate concerns using escalation processes - Maintain the electronic roster to ensure that it is kept up to date and record and monitor staff absences, ensuring staff sickness and absence comply with the Trust targets - Line manage a defined group of staff, ensuring that appropriate human resource policies, procedures and practices are followed - Identify and manage any staff underperformance and lead / assist in the development and implementation of performance action plans as appropriate - Seek to eliminate / reduce any staff conflict and take any remedial and on-going action as appropriate - Manage any patient, relative or staff complaints in line with the Trust complaints procedure - Deliver and support staff appraisals and promote mandatory training to achieve key performance indicators - Facilitate the recruitment of nurses through effective processes to enable the selection of the most suitable candidates, whilst supporting those individuals to make an appropriate career choice - Facilitate staff retention by focusing upon initial selection as above and promoting clinical support, job satisfaction and opportunities for staff personal and professional development - Deputise for the Matron during any absence to represent Head and Neck services as required - Take responsibility for the health and safety of patients, relatives and staff and contribute towards clinical and environmental risk assessments and risk reduction practices - Work in a manner that makes best use of available resources and aim to reduce unnecessary waste from a financial and environmental perspective - Support the Matron to manage the pay and non-pay budgets as appropriate and agreed Leadership - Jointly lead on maximising the opportunities to develop a highly skilled, motivated and engaged workforce which continually strives to improve patient, relative and staff experience - Demonstrate a positive and pro-active approach to the on-going support and development of nurses and other staff members - Role model high standards of patient care, communication, commitment and organisation for others to follow - Maintain a creative, yet measured approach to service developments and use effective leadership skills to ensure effective change - Encourage and promote a shared leadership model, enabling and empowering others, of all grades, to take the lead with various initiatives within Head and Neck services and the wider Trust whilst clearly demonstrating the Trust leadership values and behaviours. - Lead or actively support all agreed quality improvements within Head and Neck services and link with other teams and services as appropriate within and outside of Trust. - Collaborate with local, network and national colleagues as appropriate to maintain shared best practice within critical care Communication, interpersonal skills, professionalism and personal qualities - Deliver complex and contentious information to large and small groups sometimes in clinical areas where staff may be reluctant to be involved. - Demonstrate an ability to work cohesively with all members of the Head and Neck team - Communicate with colleagues, patients and their relatives with sensitivity and empathy - Communicate sensitively with staff members, particularly when needing to lead difficult conversations or manage underperformance - Demonstrate an ability to work under pressure and to agreed timescales - Take initiative and demonstrate a progressive, creative and forward-thinking approach - Act as a good role model for others to follow to include personal appearance and adherence to Trust uniform policy - Work in a manner to promote the Trust values and core objectives - Work within the NMC code of conduct at all times - Maintain own professional development, mandatory training and NMC revalidation requirements - Always seek advice and support when required and encourage others to do the same Research and audit- Work in a manner that promotes any audits or research taking place within Head and Neck services or the wider Trust as appropriate - Promote and demonstrate the use of evidence-based practice and related policy, procedure and guidelines - Asist in the collection and reporting of data as appropriate to maintain key performance indicators Education and training - In conjunction with the Matron, identify personal training and development needs through the Trust appraisal process - Maintain and continually develop knowledge, competence and skills required to perform the role effectively - Undertake all mandatory training appropriate to role - Support the training, education and development of staff within defined service as appropriate - Be actively involved in and support departmental education programmes - Develop the skills to supervise, mentor, support and educate less experienced and non-registered staff in the clinical practice setting - Organise, implement and support mentor and educational programmes for students Improving safety, quality and developing practice - Work with senior staff undertaking audit and research projects. To be involved in making recommendations for changes to management practice and procedures and the implementation of those changes as appropriate. - Contribute to the Clinical Governance and Quality agenda by active participation in service initiatives, health and safety and risk management. - Take joint responsibility for leading on safe and effective infection, prevention and control measures - Develop and share own knowledge with other members of the wider team both locally and nationally. - Identify own development needs, aligning these to service requirements and personal aspirations. Proactively develop and improve own practice using all available resources - Understand and contribute to the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of standard operational procedures, policies, protocols and guidelines relevant to the defined service - Openly question and challenge strategic and operational practice in a constructive way so that standards of patient care are continually evaluated and improved. - Report and investigate incidents as appropriate within role and designated service Physical, Mental & Emotional Effort & Working Conditions - Comply with Trust and departmental policies and procedures e.g. Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), Manual Handling, risk management, Data Protection Acts and patient confidentiality at all times - Required to utilise recognised manual handling techniques and guidelines - Will be expected to frequently manoeuvre patients / objects over 15 kg using appropriate aids - Will have exposure to, and will be required to follow policies and procedures pertaining to, infestations, bodily fluids, infection control and substances hazardous to health. - Will have regular exposure to distressing and emotionally demanding situations involving staff, patients and relatives - Will have regular exposure to patients displaying verbal and physical abuse - Will be required to concentrate for long periods of time - There will be an on-going requirement to maintain excellent standards of care whilst working under pressure in an ever-changing and challenging environment - Ensure a smart, professional image that enhances the public perception of the Trust and the professionalism of its staff Job description Job responsibilities Clinical - Directly deliver, coordinate and supervise patient care, ensuring that the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of care is of high standard, encompassing the Trust vision of best care for everyone - Deliver, demonstrate and supervise safe and appropriate care within a challenging and changing clinical environment, using highly specialised equipment and resources - Maintain visibility within the clinical area, role modelling high standards of care, evidence-based practice and effective leadership - Actively manage and professionally lead the nursing team as a key member of the multidisciplinary workforce - Work collaboratively and cohesively with the multidisciplinary team to meet the needs of patients and their families and provide high standards of care - Administer, demonstrate and supervise the delivery of medications, within the Procedure for the Ordering, Prescribing, and Administration of Medications (POPAM) guidelines - Take a key role in the implementation of any clinical initiative or introduction of new equipment - Take an active clinical leadership role and act as shift co-ordinator when required - Work continuously to promote and support clinical training, education and development of other staff Management - Work alongside the Matron, Band 7s, consultants and wider team to determine and deliver on strategic service objectives - Manage and lead the service within agreed standard operational procedures and support the development of new working practices as appropriate - Work alongside the matron to develop and implement action plans to achieve key performance indicators and ensure high standards of care - Work alongside site and operational delivery teams to maintain patient flow within agreed procedures, reduce patients length of stay and improve patient experience - Manage day to day safe staffing levels and escalate concerns using escalation processes - Maintain the electronic roster to ensure that it is kept up to date and record and monitor staff absences, ensuring staff sickness and absence comply with the Trust targets - Line manage a defined group of staff, ensuring that appropriate human resource policies, procedures and practices are followed - Identify and manage any staff underperformance and lead / assist in the development and implementation of performance action plans as appropriate - Seek to eliminate / reduce any staff conflict and take any remedial and on-going action as appropriate - Manage any patient, relative or staff complaints in line with the Trust complaints procedure - Deliver and support staff appraisals and promote mandatory training to achieve key performance indicators - Facilitate the recruitment of nurses through effective processes to enable the selection of the most suitable candidates, whilst supporting those individuals to make an appropriate career choice - Facilitate staff retention by focusing upon initial selection as above and promoting clinical support, job satisfaction and opportunities for staff personal and professional development - Deputise for the Matron during any absence to represent Head and Neck services as required - Take responsibility for the health and safety of patients, relatives and staff and contribute towards clinical and environmental risk assessments and risk reduction practices - Work in a manner that makes best use of available resources and aim to reduce unnecessary waste from a financial and environmental perspective - Support the Matron to manage the pay and non-pay budgets as appropriate and agreed Leadership - Jointly lead on maximising the opportunities to develop a highly skilled, motivated and engaged workforce which continually strives to improve patient, relative and staff experience - Demonstrate a positive and pro-active approach to the on-going support and development of nurses and other staff members - Role model high standards of patient care, communication, commitment and organisation for others to follow - Maintain a creative, yet measured approach to service developments and use effective leadership skills to ensure effective change - Encourage and promote a shared leadership model, enabling and empowering others, of all grades, to take the lead with various initiatives within Head and Neck services and the wider Trust whilst clearly demonstrating the Trust leadership values and behaviours. - Lead or actively support all agreed quality improvements within Head and Neck services and link with other teams and services as appropriate within and outside of Trust. - Collaborate with local, network and national colleagues as appropriate to maintain shared best practice within critical care Communication, interpersonal skills, professionalism and personal qualities - Deliver complex and contentious information to large and small groups sometimes in clinical areas where staff may be reluctant to be involved. - Demonstrate an ability to work cohesively with all members of the Head and Neck team - Communicate with colleagues, patients and their relatives with sensitivity and empathy - Communicate sensitively with staff members, particularly when needing to lead difficult conversations or manage underperformance - Demonstrate an ability to work under pressure and to agreed timescales - Take initiative and demonstrate a progressive, creative and forward-thinking approach - Act as a good role model for others to follow to include personal appearance and adherence to Trust uniform policy - Work in a manner to promote the Trust values and core objectives - Work within the NMC code of conduct at all times - Maintain own professional development, mandatory training and NMC revalidation requirements - Always seek advice and support when required and encourage others to do the same Research and audit- Work in a manner that promotes any audits or research taking place within Head and Neck services or the wider Trust as appropriate - Promote and demonstrate the use of evidence-based practice and related policy, procedure and guidelines - Asist in the collection and reporting of data as appropriate to maintain key performance indicators Education and training - In conjunction with the Matron, identify personal training and development needs through the Trust appraisal process - Maintain and continually develop knowledge, competence and skills required to perform the role effectively - Undertake all mandatory training appropriate to role - Support the training, education and development of staff within defined service as appropriate - Be actively involved in and support departmental education programmes - Develop the skills to supervise, mentor, support and educate less experienced and non-registered staff in the clinical practice setting - Organise, implement and support mentor and educational programmes for students Improving safety, quality and developing practice - Work with senior staff undertaking audit and research projects. To be involved in making recommendations for changes to management practice and procedures and the implementation of those changes as appropriate. - Contribute to the Clinical Governance and Quality agenda by active participation in service initiatives, health and safety and risk management. - Take joint responsibility for leading on safe and effective infection, prevention and control measures - Develop and share own knowledge with other members of the wider team both locally and nationally. - Identify own development needs, aligning these to service requirements and personal aspirations. Proactively develop and improve own practice using all available resources - Understand and contribute to the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of standard operational procedures, policies, protocols and guidelines relevant to the defined service - Openly question and challenge strategic and operational practice in a constructive way so that standards of patient care are continually evaluated and improved. - Report and investigate incidents as appropriate within role and designated service Physical, Mental & Emotional Effort & Working Conditions - Comply with Trust and departmental policies and procedures e.g. Health and Safety at Work Act (1974), Manual Handling, risk management, Data Protection Acts and patient confidentiality at all times - Required to utilise recognised manual handling techniques and guidelines - Will be expected to frequently manoeuvre patients / objects over 15 kg using appropriate aids - Will have exposure to, and will be required to follow policies and procedures pertaining to, infestations, bodily fluids, infection control and substances hazardous to health. - Will have regular exposure to distressing and emotionally demanding situations involving staff, patients and relatives - Will have regular exposure to patients displaying verbal and physical abuse - Will be required to concentrate for long periods of time - There will be an on-going requirement to maintain excellent standards of care whilst working under pressure in an ever-changing and challenging environment - Ensure a smart, professional image that enhances the public perception of the Trust and the professionalism of its staff Person Specification Qualifications Essential Active registration with the NMC as a Registered Nurse Management/leadership qualification or equivalent level of skill gained through experience Recognised teaching and assessing qualification Evidence of ongoing professional development through maintenance of professional portfolio and registration revalidation Desirable Postgraduate qualification in Head and Neck Nursing or relevant qualification Completion of Silver Quality Improvement Experience Essential Experience (through placement or employment) of working in an acute clinical environment Previous experience working in in a head and neck service or relevant speciality Nursing leadership and management experience at Band 6 level or above Evidence of building effective working relationships with members of the multi-disciplinary team and other key stakeholders Experience of leading and managing change Experience of managing individuals to include objective setting, learning and development and reviewing of progress against development plans Knowledge Essential Knowledge of Human Resource process and line management responsibilities Knowledge of the trust appraisal and development process Knowledge of leadership styles and change management strategy A good understanding of clinical governance, incident reporting and investigating Skills and Abilities Essential Ability to effectively lead the nursing team to deliver high standards of patient care Self-motivated and able to work under own initiative and prioritise workload Acts as a role model, lead by example to ensure the Trust's values and behaviours are reinforced throughout their area of practice Demonstrates ability to question and challenge nursing practice in a constructive way so that standards of patient care are continually evaluated and improved. Ability to lead, manage and motivate all staff within sphere of responsibility Person Specification Qualifications Essential Active registration with the NMC as a Registered Nurse Management/leadership qualification or equivalent level of skill gained through experience Recognised teaching and assessing qualification Evidence of ongoing professional development through maintenance of professional portfolio and registration revalidation Desirable Postgraduate qualification in Head and Neck Nursing or relevant qualification Completion of Silver Quality Improvement Experience Essential Experience (through placement or employment) of working in an acute clinical environment Previous experience working in in a head and neck service or relevant speciality Nursing leadership and management experience at Band 6 level or above Evidence of building effective working relationships with members of the multi-disciplinary team and other key stakeholders Experience of leading and managing change Experience of managing individuals to include objective setting, learning and development and reviewing of progress against development plans Knowledge Essential Knowledge of Human Resource process and line management responsibilities Knowledge of the trust appraisal and development process Knowledge of leadership styles and change management strategy A good understanding of clinical governance, incident reporting and investigating Skills and Abilities Essential Ability to effectively lead the nursing team to deliver high standards of patient care Self-motivated and able to work under own initiative and prioritise workload Acts as a role model, lead by example to ensure the Trust's values and behaviours are reinforced throughout their area of practice Demonstrates ability to question and challenge nursing practice in a constructive way so that standards of patient care are continually evaluated and improved. Ability to lead, manage and motivate all staff within sphere of responsibility 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. 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. 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 Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Address Gloucestershire Royal Hospital Gloucester GL1 3NN Employer's website https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)