Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Clinical

Provide strong clinical leadership in the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of high-quality patient care, ensuring all practice aligns with Trust values, objectives and evidence-based standards. Lead on the delivery of complex clinical care within the designated area, acting as an expert practitioner and a point of escalation for clinical decision-making.

Ensure the safe custody, administration and management of medicines in accordance with Trust policies, legal requirements and best practice guidelines. Promote and maintain a safe, clean and therapeutic environment for patients, families and staff, adhering to infection prevention and control standards, health and safety legislation, and organisational policies.

Take responsibility for effective patient flow and bed management, ensuring timely admissions, transfers and discharges while maintaining patient safety and quality of care. Provide sound, evidence-based clinical advice and guidance to both patients and staff, supporting informed decision-making.

Maintain a clear understanding of clinical escalation processes. Contribute actively to the Trust’s clinical governance framework, promoting high standards of care through risk management, audit, and adherence to policies and procedures, including safeguarding requirements.

Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to deliver coordinated, patient-centred care. Monitor and evaluate standards of care in line with CQC requirements and Trust objectives, taking action to address any gaps or risks.

Ensure delivery of an excellent patient experience, promoting dignity, respect and compassion at all times. Support the collection, analysis and dissemination of quality indicators and performance data to drive service improvement. Maintain a safe working environment, ensuring equipment is fit for use and staff adhere to safety protocols.

Promote patient safety initiatives, including falls prevention, and take a lead role in identifying, managing and preventing safeguarding concerns. Maintain awareness of current clinical developments and innovations, actively promoting best practice within the team.

 Leadership and Management

Manage day-to-day staffing and rota coordination to ensure safe staffing levels and effective skill mix. Regularly undertake the role of shift coordinator to oversee clinical operations and patient care delivery. Ensure staff consistently adhere to Trust protocols, policies and standards of care.

Take operational responsibility for the ward or department in the absence of the manager, including participation in senior nurse or on-call rotas where applicable. Lead and manage the clinical team, fostering a positive, supportive and high-performing culture aligned with Trust values.

Develop effective working relationships across multidisciplinary teams and departments, promoting clear communication and collaboration. Support workforce planning by contributing to staffing allocation and off-duty rota planning to meet service needs.

Participate in the induction and orientation of new staff, ensuring they are supported to integrate effectively into the team. Act as a professional role model, demonstrating leadership, accountability and adherence to standards.

Supervise and support qualified and unqualified staff, learners and students, providing clinical guidance, mentorship and performance feedback. Act as a clinical resource, supporting continuous professional development within the team.

Manage and respond to complaints, incidents and risks, contributing to investigations and implementing learning to improve service delivery. Participate in recruitment and selection processes, and undertake staff appraisals following appropriate training.

Chair team meetings as required and contribute to service development initiatives and projects. Maintain awareness of budgetary considerations, promoting cost-effective use of resources without compromising quality of care. Support and manage change effectively, ensuring successful implementation of new practices and service improvements.

  Education and Research

Actively contribute to the education and development of all learners within the clinical area. Support preceptorship programmes and provide supervision, mentorship and guidance to pre-registration and newly qualified staff.

Identify learning needs within the team and develop or facilitate training opportunities aligned with Trust priorities. Encourage the development of teaching skills among staff and contribute to training needs analysis.

Participate in and support research activities, clinical audits and service improvement projects. 

Engage in clinical supervision, both as a participant and supervisor, supporting reflective practice and professional growth.

 Professional Development

Maintain active professional registration and ensure all mandatory training and appraisal requirements are up to date. Develop and work towards a personal development plan, demonstrating continuous learning and achievement of objectives.

Ensure consistent adherence to Trust policies, procedures and professional standards, acting as a role model for best practice and organisational values at all times.

 Communication

Demonstrate excellent communication skills, ensuring all interactions—particularly those that are complex, sensitive or potentially contentious—are handled in a professional, inclusive and constructive manner. Tailor communication to meet the needs of patients, families and colleagues, taking into account any barriers such as language, culture, level of understanding or health conditions.

Promote open, honest and respectful communication within the team and across multidisciplinary services to support high-quality, patient-centred care and continuous improvement