Job overview
The Matron has a responsibility for operational line management of the clinical area(s) in their area of responsibility. The post holder will be responsible for providing midwifery leadership to the clinical areas and contributing to the operational management within Maternity, ensuring the efficient and effective use of resources and the development & maintenance of the highest standards of care and efficient service delivery.
The clinical area within their sphere of responsibility may include In-patient areas e.g. Delivery Suite/MLBU/Inpatient wards or Outpatient areas. The Matron will be required to work closely with the Matron /Community Matron to have overall ownership of the day to day operational management of the service. The area of responsibility of the Matron will be reviewed from time to time and may be subject to change depending on the needs of the service.
Main duties of the job
Provide a visible and clinical presence within the clinical areas and be responsible for leading the delivery of high quality care. Ensure that the needs of women and their families are placed at the centre of care delivery, thus achieving trust and national standards for clinical quality, safety and patient experience.
Provide professional, clinical and managerial leadership to midwifery, nursing and associated staff, and ensure the provision of a high quality, responsive midwifery service.
Be accountable for all aspects of quality management related to the maternity services.
Lead the workforce and financial planning for midwifery and support services within own areas of responsibility and where appropriate, work collaboratively across the Trust to support these initiatives.
Support the development and implementation of clinical governance initiatives in conjunction with the Divisional Management Team.
Lead the implementation of midwifery standards as set out in National Service Frameworks, Essence of Care and the Trust Nursing and Midwifery Strategy.
To have a thorough understanding of safeguarding procedures and knowledgeable with respect to safeguarding triggers and risks.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Be responsible for overseeing and ensuring the development of all staff across areas of responsibility.
Support band 7 midwives and specialist midwives to ensure they are developed to undertake management and leadership responsibilities to enable the effective running of their clinical areas.
Using the Trust HR Policies and Procedures, manage clinical and non-clinical standards of poor performance, and the management of sickness and absence.
Demonstrate experience in the use of appropriate strategies and opportunities to share knowledge on prevention and control of infection.
Resolve complaints as they arise through face to face communication as necessary and, when appropriate, investigate complaints relevant to remit and write responses and develop actions plans.
Contribute to business, professional and strategic planning within the Division and the organisation as a whole.
Person specification
Skills
Essential
- Evidence of clinical standard setting and audit within maternity services
- Thorough understanding and knowledge of key indicators of excellent quality care
- Roster Management
- Evidence of understanding professional issues in midwifery
- Experience of developing and implementing new policies and guidance
- Skilled in staff selection and development
Experience
Essential
- Significant experience of midwifery care with a minimum of 3 years at Band 7
- Experience of operational management
- Proven track record of leadership
- Proven midwifery skill and knowledge
- Evidence of clinical competence
- Proven experience of managing resources including budgetary control
- Current experience of line management of staff
Desirable
- Management of Change Process
Qualifications
Essential
- Registered Midwife
- Recognised teaching and assessing qualification
- Educated to Masters’ level/working towards or commitment to undertaking within year of appointment
- NMC registration (in date)
Desirable
- Professional Midwifery Advocate
- Evidence of Leadership development/programme
Personal Characteristics
Essential
- Evidence of recent personal development activity
- Demonstrates an ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Highly professional role model
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Matron with Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Luton, East of England, England. It is listed as a Band 8 Nurse (adult and children) role. The advertised salary is £57,528 - £64,750 per annum. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 04 Aug 2026.
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