Job summary
- Main area
- Bluebell Ward PPH
- Grade
- Band 6
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week
- Job ref
- 371-TAPMHS982-A
- Employer
- Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Prospect Park Hospital
- Town
- Reading
- Salary
- £38,682 - £46,580 per annum
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 18/03/2026 23:59
Employer heading
Charge Nurse - Bluebell & Rowan Wards
Band 6
Job overview
If you're ready to take the next step in your mental health career, Rowan Ward (Older Adults) and Bluebell Ward (Working Age Adults) provide an excellent setting to grow your clinical expertise and leadership capabilities as a Charge Nurse.
Rowan Ward specialises in dementia care and related mental health conditions. Bluebell Ward supports adults experiencing early-onset and long-term mental health challenges, including early psychosis, bipolar affective disorder, depression, and schizophrenia.
Each ward accommodates up to 20 patients, offering care in a supportive and compassionate environment.
Located at Prospect Park Hospital in Reading, both wards work closely with patients and their families to understand individual needs and encourage active participation in care. Our aim is to create a space grounded in empathy, kindness, and respect.
Bluebell Ward also provides specialist support for individuals living with dementia alongside other mental health conditions such as depression. The wards promote a therapeutic environment where patients and families feel supported throughout their care journey.
Applications for this vacancy will be considered in the order in which they are received, the vacancy may close early if the right candidate is found. We recommend you apply today to ensure you don’t miss out on this opportunity with us at Prospect Park Hospital!
Main duties of the job
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Act as a clinical team leader for a group of nominated staff. Take charge of the ward and be responsible for the overall management of the ward in the absence of both the ward manager or deputy manager.
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Assist in the implementation of clinical / management supervision of junior staff within the ward area.
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Take a lead role in the implementation of clinical care and the evaluation of nursing outcomes.
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Assist the ward management with planning efficient use of staffing resources on the ward. Ensure that staffing levels are safe and contain the necessary skills mix, showing due regard to the need for effective budgetary management.
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Maintain effective systems of communication within the multi-disciplinary team and with patients and relatives.
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Develop your leadership skills to become competent in fulfilling the DSN (Duty Senior Nurse) role on a rotational basis within 6-9 months of starting your role dependant on previous experience.
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Be proactive in the production and implementation of new ideas and methods of care.
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Ensure that the learning needs of students allocated to the ward are met, including the development of education packages.
Working for our organisation
Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is a specialist mental health and community health services trust. Rated ‘outstanding’ by the CQC, we’re committed to providing the best possible care to people across Berkshire. As an employer, we’re committed to offering an inclusive and compassionate environment where our people share in a sense of belonging and are supported to flourish.
Our values at Berkshire Healthcare are:
- Caring for and about you is our top priority
- Committed to providing good quality, safe services
- Working Together with you to develop innovative solutions
Your wellbeing is important to us. Some of the benefits of working for us include:
- Flexible working options to support work-life balance
- 27 days’ annual leave rising with service + opportunity to buy and sell
- Generous NHS pension scheme
- Excellent learning and career development opportunities
- ‘Cycle to Work’ and car leasing scheme including electric vehicles
- Access to a range of wellbeing tools and services
- Discounts at hundreds of popular retailers and restaurants
- Staff networks for race, diversity, disabilities, the environment and armed forces community to support equality
- Generous maternity, paternity, adoption and special leave
- Free parking across Trust sites
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The “must haves” for you to be considered for this role:
- Registered Mental Health Nurse
- Mentorship qualification
- Experience in a mental health setting
- Evidence of continuing professional development and portfolio of evidence available
For further information about the role, please see attached job description and person specification.
We strongly encourage you to review how you meet the criteria in the person specification and write about this point-by-point in your supporting statement for the best chance of being shortlisted.
We’re committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Our commitment to inclusion is reflected in our accreditations: Race Equality Matters Silver Trailblazer, Neurodiversity in Business Corporate Member, Disability Confident Leader, Carer Confident Level 2, and the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award. Reasonable adjustments will be provided to candidates as needed.
Please note, if we receive a high number of applications, we may close this role earlier than the advertised closing date, so please submit your application as soon as possible.
Person specification
Education/Qualifications/Training
Essential criteria
- Registered Mental Health, Adult or Learning Disability Nurse
- IT Literate
Continuous Professional Development
Essential criteria
- Post qualification work experience
Previous Experience
Essential criteria
- A minimum of two years post registration experience with in a mental health setting.
- Previous experience working in a mental health care setting.
Desirable criteria
- Clinical Governance understanding
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Essential criteria
- Good oral and written communication skills
- Understanding Mental Health legislation, which includes the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act and DOLs.
- The supervision, development, appraisal and capability management of junior staff
- Understanding of quality improvement methodology
- Role-modelling, networking, mentoring, chairing, group work and facilitation and driving clinical practice
Additional Requirements
Essential criteria
- Ability to travel to multiple sites
- Honest, trustworthy, reliable
- Understand the limits of your abilities
Applicant requirements
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.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Delphine Thornton
- Job title
- Ward Manager
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 01189605233
- Additional information
For Rowan Ward: [email protected] Ward Manager, Rowan Ward
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