Job requirements
Essential
14 listedRequirements the employer expects applicants to meet.
- Experience
Evidence of senior nursing and/or midwifery leadership and management experience.
- Experience
Evidence of clinical management experience.
- Experience
Experience of managing a range of departments which includes managing workforce, operational delivery, finance management.
- Experience
Experience in delivering quality improvement projects with defined outcomes
- Experience
Demonstrable experience of achieving changed clinical practice and improving services to increase quality and efficiency.
- Experience
Experience of working at and influencing at a senior level.
- Experience
Experience of developing collaborative working within teams.
- Experience
Thorough understanding of equality & diversity and its application to managing self, staff and patients across the Trust.
- Experience
Understanding of NMC Code of practice and requirements of it for the practice & behaviour and its application to the management of staff and self.
- Experience
Proven experience of budgetary/financial management.
- Experience
Proven track record in co-design and production
- Qualifications
Registered Midwife or Registered Nurse with the Nursing & Midwifery Council
- Qualifications
Professional knowledge acquired through degree/diploma supplemented by specialist training, experience and short courses to masters level or equivalent
- Qualifications
Demonstrates evidence of on-going continuous professional development.
Desirable
5 listedAdditional qualities the employer would prefer.
- Experience
Experience of developing business cases / business planning
- Experience
Track record of serving on a range of committees both internal and external to the organisation
- Experience
Project management experience.
- Experience
Evidence of community experience in leadership or clinical role
- Qualifications
Management qualification – NEBs, CMS, DMS etc. Some form of management qualification is highly desirable
Job overview
Divisional Director of Nursing
An Exceptional Leadership Opportunity in Nursing
We’re seeking a visionary and compassionate nursing leader to take on the role of Divisional Director of Nursing, leading an exceptional and diverse portfolio of services. This division is at the forefront of surgery and planned care across Swindon, delivering excellence in patient outcomes and safety.
This is a unique opportunity to shape high-quality patient-centered care across a range of specialties—working hand-in-hand with system partners to innovate, collaborate, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients
The Divisional Director of Nursing (DDoN) for Surgery and Planned Care is a key member of the divisional triumvirate, working in close partnership with the Divisional Director and Associate Medical Director to set strategic direction and ensure delivery of safe, effective and high-quality surgical and planned care. The DDON provides visible clinical leadership, professional oversight of the nursing workforce, and drives service transformation, innovation, and continuous improvement across the Division.
Main duties of the job
In this pivotal role, you’ll work at the heart of strategic decision-making, forming part of a powerful triumvirate alongside the Associate Medical Director and Divisional Director. Together, you’ll set the strategic direction and empower teams to deliver outstanding operational performance.
Your Impact:
- Elevate patient outcomes, safety, and experience
- Drive innovation and effectiveness in care delivery
- Lead change with confidence and compassion
- Influence practice across the Division and delegated areas on behalf of the Chief Nurse
This is more than a leadership role — it’s a chance to shape the future of nursing, inspire excellence, and leave a legacy of compassionate, high-quality care.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The Divisional Director of Nursing is responsible for the effectiveness of professional leadership and development of nursing within the Division and other allocated areas in order to facilitate the delivery of excellent clinical practice. The post holder may hold delegated responsibility for areas of practice from the Chief Nurse.
Please see attached Job Description
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.
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Divisional Director of Nursing with Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Swindon, England. It is listed as a Band 8 Director of nursing role. The advertised salary is £94,356 - £108,814 Per annum, Pro Rata. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 11 Oct 2026.
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