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Job overview
To have overall management responsibility for the delivery of care within the unit, in accordance with Trust policies and procedures. To lead a team of nursing staff in the delivery of high quality evidence-based practice, ensuring that regular supervision and appraisal take place. To manage administrative and operational resources in a cost-effective manner, evaluating the standard of service delivered. To co-ordinate multidisciplinary working, maintaining excellent communication and working relationships with all team members, and other services within the Trust, to ensure effective interface and continuity of care between disciplines and services. The post holder will carry out nursing procedures to a standard that ensures safe and effective care, and complies with Trust policy and The Nursing and Midwifery Council's Code of Professional Conduct.
To ensure delivery of excellent care that places the needs of service users at the centre of care delivery. There will be an expectation that the post holder will facilitate service user and carer involvement in all aspects of service delivery and contribute to the development of the team.
Main duties of the job
The Ward Manager will provide clinical, operational and professional leadership for the ward, ensuring the delivery of safe, effective, high-quality and evidence-based care for service users. The post holder will be responsible for managing and developing nursing staff, promoting regular supervision, appraisal and training, and ensuring practice is in line with Trust policies, professional standards and relevant mental health legislation. They will oversee ward resources, staffing, budgets, governance processes and standards of care, while working collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team, service users, carers and partner agencies to support effective communication, continuity of care and ongoing service improvement.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
- Ensure that all nursing practice is developed using up to date evidence based practice, ensuring that all nursing staff have the appropriate skill base and supporting mechanisms to access training to work with the service user group
- Ensure that nursing staff receive regular supervision and appraisal, and are offered essential and developmental training in accordance with their personal development plans, and the needs of the service.
- Ensure that the requirements of all mental health legislation are met with particular regard to the Mental Health Act 1983, revised 2025.
- Ensure that all practices are within the guidelines set by the NMC and are in accordance with Trust policy.
- Ensure ward finances are managed within allocated budget, including recruitment of staff.
- All absences, bank and agency are managed within budget and Trust guidelines.
- Identify and deal with cost pressures which may have an impact on the financial expenditure of the ward. The post-holder will be expected to notify any such situations to the Matron if they cannot be dealt with at a local level.
- Set, monitor and evaluate overall standards of care and practice on the ward in liaison with the HoN, Modern Matron, and other agencies.
- Develop and maintain procedures which result in good communication between the multidisciplinary team and other agencies.
- Attend meetings and forums, representing the ward at various levels both within the Trust and with external agencies, ensuring that all staff are kept fully briefed on any new developments etc. The post-holder may be required to participate in specific inter-agency work relevant to the service.
- Ensure local response in managing incidents by using the Trust Incident Policy and implementation outcomes to change and improve practice.
- Be prepared to physically move between sites as needed.
- Ensure that they are fully aware of current developments and practice in their clinical area.
- Be aware of the need to reflect on their practice both as clinician and manager.
- Manage their own time efficiently
- Be aware of and adhere to all Trust Policies and act as a role model to other staff.
- Recognise emotional and mental effort required to fulfil the post.
Person specification
Experience
Essential
- Significant experience of managing clinical practice at Band 6. (A)
- Experience of working with older age adults. (A)
- Experience of implementing and monitoring standards of care. (A/I)
- Experience of supporting and developing staff through supervision, coaching, feedback and ongoing professional development. (A/I)
- Experience of working in a multi-cultural environment, and knowledge of methods to develop culturally sensitive practice (A/I)
- Experience of coordinating and contributing to clinical, operational and governance meetings, ensuring actions are recorded, followed up and communicated effectively. (A/I)
Desirable
- Experience of implementing significant changes in working practices. (A/I)
- Experience of project management. (A/I)
- Experience of performance management procedures. (A/I)
- Experience of budget management. (A/I)
- Experience of Dementia care. (A/I)
- Experience of participating or developing new service initiatives. (A/I)
Qualifications
Essential
- Registered Nurse (Mental Health/Learning Disability).
- BSc in mental health or equivalent.
- Practice Assessor Course.
- SLTP Level 3 / Management of Violence and Aggression Training.
- Evidence of continuing professional development.
Desirable
- Management course.
- Specialist skills in management of physical health care / physical health care training.
Knowledge / Skills
Essential
- Knowledge and expertise in the prevention and management of violence. (A/I)
- Working knowledge of all relevant legislation associated with acute mental health care, including MHA, MCA, CPA procedures, Human Rights Act, NSF, Child Protection and NHS Plan. (A/I)
- Understanding of the role and function of other organisations providing services to people with mental ill-health. (A/I)
- Knowledge of performance management procedures. (A/I)
- Full commitment to equal opportunities. (A/I)
- Knowledge and practical application of CQC fundamental standards of care in an older adult mental health setting. (A/I)
- Highly developed risk assessment and management skills. (A/I)
Desirable
- Skills in developing and changing clinical practice. (A/I)
- Skills in complaint management and conflict resolution. (A/I)
- Skills in managing change effectively. (A/I)
- Appreciation of the complexities of the Ward Manager’s role and how to balance clinical and non-clinical. (I)
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Ward Manager with South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust in London, London, England. It is listed as a Band 7 Manager and corporate role. The advertised salary is £55,524 - £62,652 per annum inclusive of HCAs. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 26 Jul 2026.
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