Deputy Matron Neonates

Job overview

The Deputy Matron for the Oxford Neonatal Unit will provide visible, professional leadership and take responsibility for the day-to-day operational management of the service, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, safe, and compassionate care. Working closely with the Matron and multidisciplinary teams, the post holder will lead on clinical governance, patient experience, workforce management, and service improvement, while contributing to the strategic development of neonatal services across the Directorate and Trust. This role requires a dynamic and experienced leader committed to maintaining excellence in patient care, supporting staff development, and driving innovation within a complex and fast-paced clinical environment.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will lead the operational management of the Neonatal Unit, ensuring safe staffing, high standards of clinical care, and delivery of key performance targets. They will provide visible leadership to nursing and multidisciplinary teams, oversee clinical governance, patient safety, and complaints management, and drive quality improvement and patient experience initiatives. The role includes responsibility for workforce planning, budget oversight, and staff development, while supporting strategic service delivery and deputising for the Matron as required.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The Deputy Matron is responsible for the effective day-to-day operational management of the Neonatal Unit, ensuring delivery of safe, high-quality, and patient-centred care. The role provides strong, visible leadership to nursing and multidisciplinary teams, promoting a culture of excellence, continuous improvement, and adherence to Trust values. Key responsibilities include oversight of clinical governance, patient safety, risk management, and complaints handling, ensuring learning is embedded and standards are consistently achieved.

The post holder will lead workforce planning, including safe staffing, recruitment, performance management, and staff development, while maintaining accountability for budget management and efficient use of resources. They will actively contribute to service development, quality improvement, and delivery of strategic priorities across the Directorate. In addition, the Deputy Matron will support education, research, and professional development, while deputising for the Matron and representing the service at divisional and Trust-level forums.

Applicant requirements

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.