Deputy Chief Nurse

University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust

We have a rare opportunity to join our nursing senior leadership team to shape how we deliver exceptional care at our multi‑site Trust.

University of Derby and Burton Hospitals invites applications for a 6‑month fixed‑term/secondment Deputy Chief Nurse post. The successful candidate will usually be based at Queen's Hospital Burton, with responsibilities spanning additional sites including community hospitals. You will work closely with the Deputy Chief Operating Officer and site Medical Director to provide senior clinical leadership at the acute site and our Staffordshire community sites.

The role requires frequent travel across the Trust's five sites, ensuring a cohesive approach to nursing leadership throughout the organisation.

Applicants must demonstrate substantial experience in senior leadership and team management within healthcare settings relevant to the post. The Deputy Chief Nurse is expected to chair various internal meetings, represent the Trust at Board Committees and Trust Board sessions, participate in external stakeholder engagements, deputise for the Executive Chief Nurse as circumstances require, and contribute to the Executive on‑call rota. A proven track record of effective collaboration and strategic decision‑making at an executive level is essential.

The appointed individual will work in close partnership with directors across Patient Experience, Estates and Facilities, Quality, Clinical Governance, Risk and Compliance, Divisional Nurse Directors, and Directors of Midwifery and Allied Health Professionals (AHPs). Key responsibilities include delivering operational and transformational leadership for Nursing, Midwifery, and AHPs; assuming delegated authority from the Executive Chief Nurse when necessary; promoting safe staffing levels, supporting quality improvement initiatives, encouraging research and innovation, fostering professional development, and upholding exemplary standards to deliver care characterised by compassion and dignity.

Further duties encompass providing expert advice on both operational and strategic professional nursing matters, maintaining oversight of practice standards, and ensuring that appropriate accountability and remedial action are taken when standards are not met. The Deputy Chief Nurse will drive continuous improvement in patient outcomes, champion a positive organisational culture, and contribute to the advancement of clinical excellence and none–medical research across all sites.

The post holder will serve as a role model for professional integrity, ethical conduct, and collaborative working, supporting the Trust's mission to provide high‑quality and compassionate care to its community.

As a trusted organisation at the heart of our communities, we recognise the important role we can play in supporting the public, patients, our own people and local partners in achieving the best of health for the local population and the communities in which they live by providing Exceptional Care Together.

Our fundamental values of compassion, openness and excellence underpin how we intend to work as a Trust.

• Development opportunities, both professional and leadership development
• On‑going support from recruitment to when you join our team and beyond
• Staff benefits including employee assistance programme, discounted gym membership, onsite fitness classes, car schemes

• Registered Nurse with NMC
• Degree level education

• Extensive experience of operational management at Deputy Director or Divisional Nurse level in an acute hospital environment
• Proven ability to manage change and develop services within a large complex organisation
• An in‑depth understanding of the statutory framework governing nurses, midwives and AHPs
• Ability to interpret national and local policy drivers and understand the political environment
• Proven ability to achieve targets and objectives within a pressured environment against challenging deadlines
• A practical understanding of national standards and best practice in NHS complaints management
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