Ward Leader (RGN)

Job overview

The Ward Leader is responsible for the day‑to‑day leadership, management and delivery of high‑quality care and rehabilitation within a community inpatient ward or clinical area.

The post holder provides clinical leadership, people management and operational oversight, ensuring that care is safe, effective, person‑centred and delivered in line with professional standards, Trust values and national guidance. The role has direct accountability for patient experience, quality of care, staff performance, patient flow and efficient use of ward resources.

Main duties of the job

Working closely with the Clinical Matron, AHP Clinical Lead, Service Manager, Practice Development Lead, Head of Nursing & AHPs, medical staff and the wider multidisciplinary team, the Ward Leader provides a visible, accessible leadership presence on the ward and contributes to wider service objectives.

The role requires hands‑on leadership, with a strong focus on quality assurance, staff development, operational grip and continuous improvement within the ward environment. The post holder may be required to rotate across community inpatient sites to support service delivery and resilience.

The post holder will be required to work weekends and bank holidays as part of a rota. Tasks required at weekends/bank holidays will include attending the system calls to represent NHFT.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For further information on the advertised role, please refer to the job description located under the Supporting Documents heading. The full person specification can be accessed under the ‘About You’ Section of the document.

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.