Co-ordination of the unit on a day to day basis including planning, allocation and evaluation of work carried out by teams or individuals and self. Provide specialist knowledge to all Nursing staff on the unit. Will promote a critical, analytical approach to the delivery of nursing care ensuring that the ward environment is responsive to current issues. Ensure that all existing procedures and protocols relating to the care of patients are reviewed and updated as required. Develop methods for identifying, maintaining and improving the quality of patient care through facilitation of best practice and clinical benchmarking. Ensure due regard is given to the customs, values and spiritual beliefs of patients/clients. Explore and undertake expanded practice to optimise patient care as required within specialist area, in accordance with Trust policies Exercise strong and effective leadership acting as an exemplary role model for the unit/department team. Maintain adequate staff cover and skill mix on the unit through effective use of staffing rotas Ensure staff compliance with mandatory training and maintain current records. Ensure effective communication with patients and their carers. Liaise with nursing, medical and allied health professional colleagues to ensure that all facets of the patients` care are covered. Ensure effective communication with relatives, community nursing staff, other hospitals and local agencies to facilitate the smooth transfer and after-care of patients/clients. Lead unit team meeting to ensure appropriate information is communicated to all team members Ensure that the unit participates in maintaining standards relating to clinical governance.Responsible for the implementation of risk management policies within the ward/department, including the development, implementation and monitoring of action plans to address identified risks. Responds within appropriate timeframes to patient complaints and concerns and ensure outcomes and action plans are implemented and monitored Responsible for ensuring compliance with Trust policies and procedures. In collaboration with the matron, implement the Trust grievance/disciplinary policy with the aim of ensuring early identification of performance issues Monitor and manage staff sickness/absence following the Trust guidelines, and liaise with the Matron as necessary. Participate in recruitment and selection of staff within the nursing team ensuring appropriate policies are adhered to. For a full list of duties, please refer to the attached job description and person specification