Job summary The role of the Matron in an Emergency Department (ED) has never been more challenging, rewarding or important. As we navigate unprecedented pressuresstaff shortages, increasing patient demand, and the transformation of our physical and operational spacesit's an exciting time for a leader who thrives in dynamic environments to join our ED team. Strong, compassionate and inspirational Leaders are now more critical than ever in driving innovation, fostering high-quality patient care, and leading their teams through transformation, ensuring we can meet the needs of our patients and prepare for the future of emergency care. We're looking for a dynamic leader with a solid foundation in operational and managerial leadership within the Emergency and Acute specialties. Your focus on the development and sustainability of services will span safety, day to day operational demands, finance, quality, and experience for patients and staff. The ideal candidate will have a clear vision for service change, a passion for delivery, an interest in governance and safety and extensive experience in Emergency Department or Major Trauma nursing. By fostering a culture of high performance, you will ensure the provision of sustained high-quality services and standards in the RSCH ED. Together, we will challenge traditional systems and redefine what it means to deliver outstanding healthcare in the Royal Sussex County Hospital ED. Join us in shaping the future of emergency care. Main duties of the job We welcome applications from those who currently hold a UK NMC registration. If you currently hold an overseas nursing qualification and require sponsorship we are not currently direct hiring Internationally Qualified Nurses. Your role will be central to the day-to-day management and operational responsibilities, while your ability to communicate change effectively will inspire and engage the ED team and wider acute floor MDT. The successful applicant will work alongside a second Matron and will support an experienced team of Band 7 senior nurses in providing leadership across the ED Department to support the delivery of high-quality patient experience, care safety and regulatory compliance for the Royal Sussex County Hospital We are looking for someone with operational and managerial leadership within the Emergency and Acute specialties and who has a clear focus on the development and sustainability of services both from a safety, finance, quality, outcomes, and experience perspective. You will have a clear vision and passion for service change, delivery, and transformation. Our ideal candidate will have experience in Emergency Department/Major trauma nursing. About us At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. 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 - 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. We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex. Candidate Information Pack: https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/resources/candidate-information-pack/ Date posted 14 March 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 8a Salary £53,755 to £60,504 a year per annum Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 279-7042944-MAR25 Job locations Royal Sussex County Hospital Eastern Road Brighton BN2 5BE Job description Job responsibilities The Matron will support the Directorate Head of Nursing (HON) in the delivery of key performance targets. S/he will be accountable for the provision of effective professional nursing leadership and proactive resource management for their clinical area. As an experienced practitioner the post holder will be expected to focus on providing a clean environment for care, ensuring best practice in infection control, improving clinical care standards and treating patients with dignity and respect. For full details please see the attached job description and person specification. Job description Job responsibilities The Matron will support the Directorate Head of Nursing (HON) in the delivery of key performance targets. S/he will be accountable for the provision of effective professional nursing leadership and proactive resource management for their clinical area. As an experienced practitioner the post holder will be expected to focus on providing a clean environment for care, ensuring best practice in infection control, improving clinical care standards and treating patients with dignity and respect. For full details please see the attached job description and person specification. Person Specification Experience Essential Extensive experience at ward manager level or equivalent managerial role Excellent professional and leadership skills with evidence of successfully managing high-performing teams. Skills Essential Evidence of excellent ability to demonstrate a problem solving approach and have evidence to demonstrate actions arising have been implemented Qualifications Essential Masters level qualification or equivalent professional knowledge acquired through degree/diploma supplemented by specialist training or equivalent experience to masters level Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Essential Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role). Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues Person Specification Experience Essential Extensive experience at ward manager level or equivalent managerial role Excellent professional and leadership skills with evidence of successfully managing high-performing teams. Skills Essential Evidence of excellent ability to demonstrate a problem solving approach and have evidence to demonstrate actions arising have been implemented Qualifications Essential Masters level qualification or equivalent professional knowledge acquired through degree/diploma supplemented by specialist training or equivalent experience to masters level Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Essential Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role). Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues 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 University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279) Address Royal Sussex County Hospital Eastern Road Brighton BN2 5BE Employer's website https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)