Lead Theatre Practitioner / Sister / Charge Nurse

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our Theatres & Anaesthesia Division as a Lead Theatre Practitioner on a 6-month secondment. This role offers the chance to lead our theatre team, delivering high standards of clinical care while supporting, advising, and developing staff across the perioperative environment. The post holder will provide strong clinical and operational leadership, ensuring the delivery of safe, effective, and evidence-based practice. Responsibilities include overseeing the development, implementation, and evaluation of care programmes, as well as promoting continuous improvement within the theatre and anaesthesia setting. A key aspect of the role is maintaining a visible clinical presence, undertaking direct patient care for at least 50% of contracted hours, while coordinating and supporting day-to-day operational activity. You will be responsible for the management of staff and resources, contributing to workforce planning, service delivery, and budget management alongside senior nurses and the Matron. Experience in leading teams, mentoring staff, and managing clinical areas is essential. Applicants must be a Registered Nurse (NMC) or Operating Department Practitioner (HCPC) with demonstrable leadership experience within a busy operating theatre environment. You will possess excellent communication, organisational, and interpersonal skills, alongside a strong commitment to clinical excellence and service improvement.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will provide proactive clinical and professional leadership to nursing and theatre practitioners across the Theatre and Anaesthetic Division, ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality, safe, and effective patient care. They will play a key role in managing nursing resources efficiently while fostering strong collaborative working across multidisciplinary teams and departments. Working closely with Unit Managers, the post holder will support the safe, timely, and effective running of operating lists, contributing to optimal service delivery and patient flow. They will actively participate in clinical supervision and act as a mentor, preceptor, and facilitator to junior staff, supporting their ongoing development and professional growth. A key responsibility will include supporting divisional training and development initiatives to maximise staff potential, promote evidence-based practice, and enhance workforce capability. The post holder will also drive improvements in patient pathways, including admission, transfer, and discharge processes, ensuring efficient use of clinical resources. In partnership with Senior Nurses and the Matron, the post holder will contribute to the strategic development of the division, supporting service improvement, policy development, and governance frameworks aligned with Trust objectives.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For the full Person Specification and more information regarding the main responsibilities of this role, please refer to the attached Job Description.

Come and be a part of the best NHS trust in England to work for, according to our staff*

* UCLH top trust to work at in England - In the most recent NHS staff survey UCLH had the highest percentage of staff who said they would recommend us as a place to work, out of all general acute or acute/community NHS trusts in England – for the third year in a row.

UCLH recognises the benefits of flexible working for staff – To find out more, visit: Flexible working.

To discover more about what makes UCLH a great place to work, visit: Why Choose UCLH?

Applicants must be a Registered Nurse (NMC) or Operating Department Practitioner (HCPC) with extensive perioperative experience, proven leadership capability, and experience in managing change. A strong understanding of CQC standards, along with experience supporting education and training, is essential.

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.