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Deputy Divisional Director of Nursing - Surgical Division
NHS AfC: Band 8c
Main area Nursing Grade NHS AfC: Band 8c Contract Permanent Hours Full time - 37.5 hours per week Job ref 409-S7033624
Site Whiston Hospital Town Prescot Salary £74,290 - £85,601 per annum Salary period Yearly Closing 11/04/2025 23:59 Interview date 02/05/2025
Job overview
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.
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.
Working for our organisation
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.
Detailed job description and main 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 Trust’s 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 Divisional 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
* Clinical qualification with NMC/HCPC Registration
* Degree level or equivalent experience
* Recognised management or leadership course
Knowledge & Experience
* 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
* General business management experience
* Experience of deputising for Divisional Director of Nursing or equivalent
* Experience and training in service improvement
Skills
* 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
* 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
* Strategic planning skills
Thank you for considering an application to work for Mersey West Lancashire NHS Trust. MWL is an exciting and forward-thinking NHS Trust who are one of the best places to work for in England.
Given sometimes we receive a high volume of applications to work for us, please be aware, that we may close a vacancy earlier than stated should a sufficient number of applications be received from which a shortlist can be confirmed. Therefore, you are advised to apply at your earliest convenience.
The Trust may contact you during the recruitment process for your feedback on your experience. We always aim for continuous improvement in our practice.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
We actively cultivate a professional environment of fairness, equality, dignity, and respect for all individuals. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and value the unique skills, perspective and experience you bring. We are grounded in the belief that diversity enhances our collective strength, fostering innovation and excellence within our workforce. We welcome all applications irrespective of people’s race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and in particular those from under-represented groups.
As a Disability Confident Leader, we commit to offering an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job (the essential criteria) listed in the personal specification. If you wish to apply under this Guaranteed Interview Scheme, please indicate this on the online application form.
If you are having difficulty completing an online application, or require any disability reasonable adjustments, to the application process, please contact Recruitment@merseywestlancs.nhs.uk
We also commit to offering an interview to all armed forces veterans who meet the minimum criteria for the job (the essential criteria) listed in the personal specification. If you wish to apply under this Guaranteed Interview Scheme, please indicate this on the online application form.
The Trust operates anonymous shortlisting where no personal information about you, including your name or personal details are shared with the recruiting manager. No equality information is shared at any time during the recruitment process with the recruiting manager or other people involved in the decision-making process.
The equality monitoring information you provide is used in the following situations: to review our recruitment practices; where a job is limited to a specific person to verify their eligibility to apply; and to offer disability reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process.
Following the recent update on UK immigration policy for those on a Health and Care Visa or Skilled Worker Visa, please click here to check your eligibility before applying for this post as we may be unable to provide sponsorship.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
If this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 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.
Please note if applicable, applicants will be required to pay for their DBS check. Costs are deducted from salary following appointment.
If you have not already done so, you are therefore encouraged to enrol for the DBS Update Service to which a small annual fee of £13 per year applies.
Flexible Working
We actively support flexible working patterns throughout MWL. Changes made to the NHS Terms and Conditions of Service Handbook mean that:
· All employees have the right to request flexible working from day one of employment.
· There is no limit on the number of requests they can make.
· Employees have the right to make requests, have them considered, regardless of the reason.
At Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, we will consider requests for flexible working. We would also encourage you to also discuss flexible working options at interview stage.
Working for Team MWL
Staff recognition is especially important to us; as well as performance reviews and appraisals, we recognise staff through Employee of the month. Along with supporting you to achieve your career goals we offer a generous pension scheme, unsocial hours payments (where applicable), 27 days annual leave on commencement (pro rata) and access to a range of NHS discounts. Our Staff Health and Wellbeing programme offer a variety of services.
The Trust is a non-smoking across all our sites. Failure to follow this rule could lead to disciplinary action.
You must ensure that your application, including personal statements and behaviour examples, are truthful and factually accurate. Please note plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own.
The Trust will not accept applications which are found to be AI generated and will check all applications against AI detection software.
Additional Information
Before applying, we encourage you to review the Trusts Values and Behaviours which are We are KIND, We are OPEN, We are INCLUSIVE, which can be found here.
An applicant guide to help and support you with your application and what to expect during your recruitment journey can be accessed in the supporting documents.
Good luck with your application. We hope to welcome you to Team MWL very soon.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Name Helen Hurst Job title Divisional Director of Nursing & Quality Email address helen.hurst@merseywestlancs.nhs.uk Telephone number 01704704944 Additional information
Please contact PA to Divisional Director of Nursing Kerrie Lewis:
01707 704944
Kerrie.hopson@merseywestlancs.nhs.uk
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