Lead Nurse; Nurse Practice Development

AfC Band 8a (pro rata) plus a High Secure Environmental Allowance of £1,818.72 per annum (pro rata) and a High Secure Clinical Responsibility Allowance of £4,365.11 per annum (pro rata)

Hours 36

Contract Duration Permanent

Post Details The State Hospital is seeking a Lead Nurse (Nurse Practice Development) to provide strategic and professional leadership for nursing education, workforce capability and clinical practice development across our high secure forensic mental health service.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence the future of nursing by leading programmes that enhance professional standards, clinical competence, leadership development, quality improvement and evidence-based practice. Working closely with senior nursing and multidisciplinary colleagues, you will support the delivery of safe, effective and person-centred care while promoting a culture of learning, innovation and continuous improvement.

• A unique leadership role within Scotland's national high secure hospital
• Opportunities to influence nursing practice at organisational and national level
• Commitment to professional development and lifelong learning
• A supportive and collaborative multidisciplinary environment

Experience The successful candidate will be a Registered Nurse with significant leadership experience, a strong track record in education, practice development or workforce development, and the ability to inspire and support staff to achieve excellence in care.

Closing Date The closing date for applications is 13/09/2026 For an informal discussion please contact Josie Clark, Associate Director of Nursing on or call .

If you have any queries or require assistance regarding the application form or recruitment process
, please contact the HR Team on to discuss your requirements.

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society. It should be noted that the State Hospital is a high secure hospital and the current organisational position based on a risk assessment is that we welcome applications from people 16-18 for non clinical roles however to be eligible for a clinical role applicants should be 18 years and older.

Should you have any questions in relation to this please contact

Right to Work To work in the UK, you must have valid permission granted by UK Visas and Immigration. NHS Scotland Boards check this as part of pre-employment checks, which can be evidenced through visas or settled/pre-settled status. For details, visit the  website.

Some posts may allow sponsorship under the Skilled Worker or Health & Care Worker visa, but only if the employer is a licensed sponsor and the role meets salary thresholds.
Please note:
The State Hospital is NOT licensed to issue certificates of sponsorship. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship. It is essential that you confirm your right to work before applying.

Artificial Intelligence Candidates should provide responses that are accurate, authentic, and reflective of their own knowledge, skills, and experience. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist in drafting responses is permitted, provided that all information is factual, verifiable, and can be supported by evidence if requested. By submitting your application, you confirm that your answers are truthful and represent your personal experience.

Any misleading or fabricated content may result in your application being withdrawn from the recruitment process.