Job summary
Applications for this vacancy are restricted to current Trust Neonatal employees only.
We are pleased to be offering a very exciting part-time (27 hours per week) opportunity for an Neonatal nurse with a passion for infant feeding to take on the role of Neonatal Infant Feeding Lead.
Are you someone with extensive neonatal experience, with advanced knowledge in infant feeding and the vision and passion to help develop infant feeding practices within the Neonatal Unit? You will need to be pro-active in decision making, with a forward-focused approach and good collaborative skills to deliver high-quality care to our Neonatal patients and their families.
In this role you will be responsible for leading the infant feeding team, supporting neonatal staff and being project lead for the Baby Friendly Initiative Level 3 re-accreditation.
Main duties of the job
You will be a recognised specialised professional with advanced knowledge in infant feeding and will serve as a valuable source of information and support for colleagues and parents. Supporting staff in the embedding and development of Baby Friendly UNICEF Standards across maternity and the neonatal unit.
You will work collaboratively working with the Neonatal and Maternity MDT to facilitate the co-ordination of infant feeding activities within the Neonatal Unit, ensuring compliance with Key Performance Indicators and National Directive Programs such as the Baby Friendly Initiative and quality improvement projects to improve neonatal outcomes.
You will work 15 hours non-clinically for the delivery of the infant feeding agenda. An additional minimum of 12 hours will be working clinically on the Neonatal Unit as a Neonatal Co-ordinator. You will lead / co-ordinate shifts, be able to work independently and within the Team and support junior staff and students. You will ensure the provision of effective nursing care, and the planning of family-integrated care in conjunction with the MDT.
About us
Please add your telephone number to your application form so we can contact you quickly if required.
One Team One Trust - There are many reasons to work at our Trust. From our commitment to putting people first to our accessible services and award winning teams. We have a passion for research, innovation and tackling inequalities. We are committed to respect, fairness and civility and promote a compassionate, caring and positive culture / working environment.
We welcome all applications irrespective of peoples race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and in particular those from under- represented groups. Looking after our workforces health and wellbeing is a priority for us. We also provide access to high quality education, training, career progression and support. Flexible working is supported via our Flexible Working Policy.
The Trust employs around 8,746 people and provides a range of hospital services to a local community of around 430,000 residents. We also provide a range of more specialised services outside this area. We offer our staff outstanding benefits - Fitness Centre (SRH), libraries at both hospital sites, chaplaincy support and access to a Care Co-ordinator to help staff with childcare arrangements.If you use AI, and it poses a risk to the integrity of your individual recruitment process, we may withdraw your application at any stage of the process.
Details
- Date posted: 30 June 2026
- Pay scheme: Agenda for change
- Band: Band 7
- Salary: £49,387 to £56,515 a year
- Contract: Permanent
- Working pattern: Part-time, Flexible working
- Reference number: C9155-FCNM-0626-41
- Job locations: Trust Headquarters, Sunderland Royal Hospital, Sunderland, SR4 7TP, United Kingdom
Job responsibilities
To be the Neonatal lead providing specialist knowledge and clinical guidance relating to infant feeding within the Neonatal Unit.
PLEASE REFER TO ATTACHED JOB DESCRIPTION FOR FULL DUTIES OF THE ROLE.
Person specification
Experience
Essential
- Extensive post-registration experience, some of which will be at a senior level within the required specialist area of practice.
- Thorough understanding of contemporary neonatal nursing issues.
- Substantial experience of use of IT systems in clinical practice.
- Evidence of in-depth knowledge of hospital information systems and IT packages.
- Experience of facilitating change.
- Evidence of innovation in practice.
- Experience of leading a team.
- Experience of shift co-ordinating.
- Familiar with inter-hospital transfer.
- Experience with complex discharge planning including safeguarding.
- Experience of auditing.
- Participation in recruitment and selection process.
Desirable
- Experience of line-management of staff.
- Experience of working at Band 6 / Band 7.
- Experience of Service Re-design.
Qualifications
Essential
- First level NMC Registered Nurse (Adult or Child).
- Degree in Nursing studies or relevant clinical Degree.
- Recognised management or leadership qualification or relevant experience.
- Post-qualifying Specialist Neonatal Course (QIS).
- Recognised Neonatal Resuscitation and / or stabilization Course / Neonatal Life Support (NLS).
- Mentorship Certificate / Practice Assessor training.
- Management and leadership training / ILM qualification (or equivalent) or evidence of currently working towards this.
Desirable
- UNICEF BFI training to Neonatal Standards.
- PNA training.
- Tongue-Tie assessment or be willing to undertake.
- ILM qualification.
Physical Skills
Essential
- Ability to walk / stand for long periods.
- Ability to sit at a workstation as necessary, with substantial use of VDU.
- Requirements for keyboard skills.
- Ability to move patients and equipment as per Trust Moving and Handling Policy.
Skills & Knowledge
Essential
- Evidence of leadership qualities.
- Knowledge of best practice in area of specialism.
- Thorough understanding of expanded roles / professional practice issues.
- Evidence of competency in relation to nursing practices appropriate to the Post.
- Ability to provide and receive complex, sensitive or contentious information, where persuasive, motivational, negotiating, training, empathetic or reassurance skills are required.
- Able to work without supervision.
- Proven skills in teaching and assessment.
- Proven interpersonal skills.
- Appraisal skills.
- Presentation skills.
- Policy / guidelines / writing and briefing skills.
- Report writing.
- Competent in the use of IT packages.
- Ability to set and achieve objectives and priorities.
- Awareness of national Health and Social Care policy.
Desirable
- Understanding of budget and financial control systems.
- Research skills.
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Neonatal Infant Feeding Lead with South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS FT in Sunderland, North East and Yorkshire, England. It is listed as a Band 7 Manager and corporate role. The advertised salary is £49,387 to £56,515 a year. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 14 Jul 2026.
Before you apply, compare the job description with the person specification and mirror the employer's essential criteria in your supporting information. Use the vacancy title, employer, location, salary, contract type, closing date and posted date (30 Jun 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHS job search. If the employer can close applications early, prepare the application before the stated deadline rather than waiting for the final day.
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