Job summary We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced ward manager to lead our elective orthopedic and surgical wards. This is a pivotal role responsible for ensuring the delivery of high-quality, patient-centred care while providing strong leadership and support to the ward team. Take responsibility for the 24-hour operational management and service delivery within the Surrey Surgical Centre wards and other departments within the unit. This includes line management of all ward and departmental staff, managing and monitoring resources within a defined budget, and contributing to the corporate agenda. Lead and promote a high-quality service, incorporating research and evidence-based practice, including the setting and monitoring of clinical standards. Act as the clinical lead within the ward and departments, ensuring excellence in patient care. Actively contribute to and support the Outreach service for the Trust, providing expert advice to multi-professional teams requiring Critical Care guidance for acutely unwell patients. Main duties of the job Lead and supervise the delivery of safe, high-quality nursing care ensuring adherence to the NMC Code of Professional Conduct, Trust's Nursing Strategy, and relevant policies. Maintain and develop both basic and advanced clinical skills to ensure continuous professional growth. Demonstrate expert clinical knowledge within critical care nursing. Act as a specialist resource, providing clinical expertise and guidance within the Division and Trust. Ensure compliance with infection control policies, maintaining high clinical and housekeeping standards. Promote and provide comprehensive health education to patients and carers, supporting informed decision-making. Advocate for research-based, evidence-led practice to improve patient care. Lead quality improvement initiatives, including audits, standard setting, and patient feedback, to enhance care delivery. Provide leadership and operational management, ensuring efficient service delivery and optimal outcomes. Oversee patient care planning, ensuring NHS guidelines and best practices are followed. Manage staffing, budgets, and resources effectively, ensuring efficient ward operation. Drive patient safety, quality assurance, and infection control compliance. Support staff development through mentorship, training, and appraisals. Collaborate with senior management, consultants, and other departments to enhance service delivery and improve efficiency. Monitor KPIs and implement action plans to improve performance and patient outcomes. About us Ashford and St. Peters Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust serves a population of more than 410,000 people living in North-West Surrey, parts of Hounslow, and beyond. Over 3,700 highly trained doctors, nurses, midwives, therapists, healthcare scientists, and other support staff make up our workforce, providing a wide range of services across our two hospital sites, Ashford, Surrey, and St Peter's, Chertsey, Surrey. We also run many specialist clinics in the community and local community hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Our vision is to be one of the best healthcare Trusts in the country. There has never been a better time to join us in the NHS at Ashford & St Peters Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust with our strong commitment to staff health and wellbeing. We are committed to providing continuous professional development, staff benefits, and flexibility to shape our workforce around our patient care. Please see the supporting links, which you can find on the right-hand side of this job advert. There is guidance on how to make an application on NHS Jobs as well as more information about joining the ASPH Team Although it isn't the Trusts normal practice, adverts may close early, so applicants are encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible. Date posted 07 March 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 7 Salary £48,270 to £54,931 a year per annum inc. HCAS Contract Fixed term Duration 12 months Working pattern Full-time Reference number 323-NM1988-MH Job locations Ashford and St Peters Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Guildford Road Chertsey KT16 0PZ Job description Job responsibilities The Ward Manager is responsible for providing clinical leadership, operational management, and high-quality patient care within the Elective Orthopaedic and Surgical Wards. The role ensures the efficient and effective delivery of services, compliance with regulatory standards, and the professional development of the nursing team. Management Responsibilities 1. Clinical Leadership & Patient Care Lead and oversee the delivery of safe, high-quality nursing care, ensuring compliance with the NMC Code of Professional Conduct, NHS guidelines, and Trust policies. Act as the clinical lead, maintaining high standards of evidence-based practice in elective orthopaedic and surgical care. Foster a patient-centred approach, ensuring individualised care to enhance patient experience and outcomes. Promote infection prevention and control measures, ensuring adherence to hygiene protocols and maintaining ward cleanliness. Ensure effective pain management, wound care, and post-operative recovery strategies in line with best practices. Actively contribute to the development and implementation of patient safety initiatives. 2. Operational Management Take 24-hour responsibility for the operational management of the ward, ensuring efficient coordination of staff, resources, and patient flow. Manage the ward within a defined budget, optimising the use of pay and non-pay resources to ensure cost-effectiveness. Oversee admission, discharge, and transfer processes, ensuring smooth patient flow and minimising delays. Ensure accurate record-keeping and documentation, in line with legal and professional requirements. Conduct regular risk assessments and health and safety audits, ensuring action plans are developed and targets are met. Ensure safe use of equipment, confirming staff are competent in its operation and maintaining a training log for compliance. 3. Staff Leadership & Development Lead the recruitment, selection, and retention of nursing staff in collaboration with the Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL). Provide strong leadership, fostering a supportive and inclusive team environment that promotes staff well-being and engagement. Ensure effective staffing deployment, planning an appropriate skill mix in relation to workload and patient needs. Conduct appraisals, performance reviews, and professional development plans, ensuring continuous staff growth. Identify training and education needs, facilitating opportunities for learning and career progression. Manage staff concerns, grievances, and disciplinary matters professionally, in line with HR policies. Ensure shift leaders understand and adhere to their responsibilities as per the Trusts Standards for Practice and Care. Act as an effective role model, demonstrating organisational and leadership skills. Deputise for the Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) in their absence. 4. Quality Assurance & Service Improvement Lead clinical audits and governance initiatives, ensuring compliance with CQC standards, Trust policies, and national guidelines. Drive continuous service development and process redesign in collaboration with the Matron/CNL. Initiate and lead projects to improve nursing care and ward management, ensuring evidence-based practice. Investigate incidents and complaints, providing reports and implementing action plans for improvement. Promote a culture of learning, actively incorporating patient and staff feedback to drive service enhancement. Monitor standards of cleanliness and catering within the clinical area, taking corrective action where necessary. 5. Communication & Collaborative Working Act as the key liaison between the ward, senior management, consultants, and other healthcare professionals. Develop and maintain effective working relationships with the multi-disciplinary team across the unit and Trust. Represent the ward in meetings, strategy discussions, and service planning initiatives. Ensure clear, professional communication with patients, families, and carers, addressing concerns and promoting shared decision-making. 6. Compliance & Governance Ensure the ward complies with NHS, Trust, and regulatory body standards, maintaining excellence in care delivery. Monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), implementing strategies to improve ward performance and patient outcomes. Promote adherence to health and safety protocols, ensuring a safe working environment for both staff and patients. Contribute to business planning within the Directorate, ensuring service sustainability and efficiency. Job description Job responsibilities The Ward Manager is responsible for providing clinical leadership, operational management, and high-quality patient care within the Elective Orthopaedic and Surgical Wards. The role ensures the efficient and effective delivery of services, compliance with regulatory standards, and the professional development of the nursing team. Management Responsibilities 1. Clinical Leadership & Patient Care Lead and oversee the delivery of safe, high-quality nursing care, ensuring compliance with the NMC Code of Professional Conduct, NHS guidelines, and Trust policies. Act as the clinical lead, maintaining high standards of evidence-based practice in elective orthopaedic and surgical care. Foster a patient-centred approach, ensuring individualised care to enhance patient experience and outcomes. Promote infection prevention and control measures, ensuring adherence to hygiene protocols and maintaining ward cleanliness. Ensure effective pain management, wound care, and post-operative recovery strategies in line with best practices. Actively contribute to the development and implementation of patient safety initiatives. 2. Operational Management Take 24-hour responsibility for the operational management of the ward, ensuring efficient coordination of staff, resources, and patient flow. Manage the ward within a defined budget, optimising the use of pay and non-pay resources to ensure cost-effectiveness. Oversee admission, discharge, and transfer processes, ensuring smooth patient flow and minimising delays. Ensure accurate record-keeping and documentation, in line with legal and professional requirements. Conduct regular risk assessments and health and safety audits, ensuring action plans are developed and targets are met. Ensure safe use of equipment, confirming staff are competent in its operation and maintaining a training log for compliance. 3. Staff Leadership & Development Lead the recruitment, selection, and retention of nursing staff in collaboration with the Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL). Provide strong leadership, fostering a supportive and inclusive team environment that promotes staff well-being and engagement. Ensure effective staffing deployment, planning an appropriate skill mix in relation to workload and patient needs. Conduct appraisals, performance reviews, and professional development plans, ensuring continuous staff growth. Identify training and education needs, facilitating opportunities for learning and career progression. Manage staff concerns, grievances, and disciplinary matters professionally, in line with HR policies. Ensure shift leaders understand and adhere to their responsibilities as per the Trusts Standards for Practice and Care. Act as an effective role model, demonstrating organisational and leadership skills. Deputise for the Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) in their absence. 4. Quality Assurance & Service Improvement Lead clinical audits and governance initiatives, ensuring compliance with CQC standards, Trust policies, and national guidelines. Drive continuous service development and process redesign in collaboration with the Matron/CNL. Initiate and lead projects to improve nursing care and ward management, ensuring evidence-based practice. Investigate incidents and complaints, providing reports and implementing action plans for improvement. Promote a culture of learning, actively incorporating patient and staff feedback to drive service enhancement. Monitor standards of cleanliness and catering within the clinical area, taking corrective action where necessary. 5. Communication & Collaborative Working Act as the key liaison between the ward, senior management, consultants, and other healthcare professionals. Develop and maintain effective working relationships with the multi-disciplinary team across the unit and Trust. Represent the ward in meetings, strategy discussions, and service planning initiatives. Ensure clear, professional communication with patients, families, and carers, addressing concerns and promoting shared decision-making. 6. Compliance & Governance Ensure the ward complies with NHS, Trust, and regulatory body standards, maintaining excellence in care delivery. Monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), implementing strategies to improve ward performance and patient outcomes. Promote adherence to health and safety protocols, ensuring a safe working environment for both staff and patients. Contribute to business planning within the Directorate, ensuring service sustainability and efficiency. Person Specification Person Specification Essential At least 3 years working as a Band 6 Worked in elective, trauma and orthopaedics and surgical wards for at least 3 to 5 years Has line management responsibilities Has completed a course at level 7 Understand CQC KLOE Desirable Worked in an acute ward setting Has completed a masters or level 7 course Has experience with rapid / After Action Reviews Has experience with staff roster & vacancy management Understanding of the main effort Interview criteria Essential Leadership and management 4 P's Understands 5 KLOE Demonstrates knowledge of harms free care Desirable Understanding of main effort Understanding of operational flow Qualification & Education Essential Registered Nurse with current NMC registration. Degree or equivalent qualification in Nursing or Healthcare. Recognised leadership/management qualification or willingness to work towards one. Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD) and post-registration training relevant to the role. Orthopaedics course Desirable Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Leadership or Healthcare Management. Teaching, mentoring, or clinical supervision qualification (e.g., PGCert in Education, Mentorship Qualification). Experience Essential Extensive post-registration experience in an acute hospital setting, with significant experience in elective orthopaedic or surgical wards. Proven track record in leading and managing a nursing team, including staff development, training, and performance management. Experience in budget and resource management, ensuring cost-effective service delivery. Demonstrated ability to implement and monitor clinical standards, infection prevention control, and patient safety measures. Experience in service improvement, change management, and quality initiatives to enhance patient care and operational efficiency. Desirable Experience working in a senior nursing leadership role (e.g., Deputy Ward Manager, Senior Sister, Charge Nurse). Project management experience in clinical governance, service redesign, or pathway improvement. oParticipation in research, audits, or policy development to enhance evidence-based practice. Person Specification Person Specification Essential At least 3 years working as a Band 6 Worked in elective, trauma and orthopaedics and surgical wards for at least 3 to 5 years Has line management responsibilities Has completed a course at level 7 Understand CQC KLOE Desirable Worked in an acute ward setting Has completed a masters or level 7 course Has experience with rapid / After Action Reviews Has experience with staff roster & vacancy management Understanding of the main effort Interview criteria Essential Leadership and management 4 P's Understands 5 KLOE Demonstrates knowledge of harms free care Desirable Understanding of main effort Understanding of operational flow Qualification & Education Essential Registered Nurse with current NMC registration. Degree or equivalent qualification in Nursing or Healthcare. Recognised leadership/management qualification or willingness to work towards one. Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD) and post-registration training relevant to the role. Orthopaedics course Desirable Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Leadership or Healthcare Management. Teaching, mentoring, or clinical supervision qualification (e.g., PGCert in Education, Mentorship Qualification). Experience Essential Extensive post-registration experience in an acute hospital setting, with significant experience in elective orthopaedic or surgical wards. Proven track record in leading and managing a nursing team, including staff development, training, and performance management. Experience in budget and resource management, ensuring cost-effective service delivery. Demonstrated ability to implement and monitor clinical standards, infection prevention control, and patient safety measures. Experience in service improvement, change management, and quality initiatives to enhance patient care and operational efficiency. Desirable Experience working in a senior nursing leadership role (e.g., Deputy Ward Manager, Senior Sister, Charge Nurse). Project management experience in clinical governance, service redesign, or pathway improvement. oParticipation in research, audits, or policy development to enhance evidence-based practice. 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 Ashford & St. Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Address Ashford and St Peters Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Guildford Road Chertsey KT16 0PZ Employer's website https://www.ashfordstpeters.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)