Head of Nursing; Nursing and Professions

Head of Nursing (Nursing and Professions)

This is an exciting opportunity to join Devon Partnership NHS Trust as Head of Nursing (Nursing and Professions) on a six month basis, providing senior, visible and expert professional leadership across inpatient services and the wider Nursing and Professions portfolio. Working as part of the senior leadership team, the post holder will play a key role in strengthening professional standards, safer staffing, clinical governance, quality improvement and compassionate, person-centred care.

The role will support nursing and allied health professional practice to be evidence-based, inclusive and aligned with the NMC Code, national guidance, regulatory requirements and the Trusts strategic priorities.

We are looking for an experienced and credible senior nurse leader who can work collaboratively with clinical, operational and professional colleagues to improve patient experience, staff experience and outcomes. The post holder will provide professional challenge, support and assurance across complex services, championing a culture of learning, openness, inclusion and continuous improvement. This role requires a leader who is confident in translating strategy into practice, supporting workforce development, leading improvement and ensuring that patients, carers, families and staff are meaningfully involved in shaping safe, high-quality care.

The main duties of the role are to provide senior, visible and expert professional leadership across nursing practice, with a particular focus on inpatient services, professional standards, safer staffing, quality, governance and patient safety. The post holder will work closely with the Chief Nursing Officer, Deputy Chief Nurse, Directorate Heads of Nursing, Matrons, Community Team Managers, Heads of Profession and wider clinical and operational leaders to ensure that care is safe, compassionate, evidence-based and aligned with the NMC Code, CQC requirements, national guidance and Trust priorities.

They will provide professional challenge, support and assurance, role modelling high standards of practice, strengthening clinical governance, supporting infection prevention and control, and ensuring learning from incidents, complaints, patient feedback and audits is translated into meaningful improvement.

The responsibilities include translating strategy into operational delivery, supporting annual safer staffing reviews, strengthening supervision and career development, promoting reflective practice, and ensuring staff are supported to deliver high-quality, person-centred care.

We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.

We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do

Our values

We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile;

making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.

Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification…