Band 8c - Head of Midwifery

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The Head of Midwifery is a key member of the Divisional Management Team, reporting to the Director of Midwifery and Gynaecology Nursing. The post holder will provide operational midwifery leadership across women’s services, ensuring the day-to-day delivery of high standards of patient care across integrated care pathways at West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

The role provides assurance on clinical and operational governance systems, including risk management, CQC standards, clinical quality, patient experience, safeguarding and health and safety. Following a 6-month probationary period, objectives will be reviewed to include neonates and the role rebranded as appropriate.

The post holder will support the Director of Midwifery, Clinical Director and Divisional Manager to deliver workforce, quality, safety, performance and leadership objectives.

They will deputise for the Director of Midwifery as required, including presenting Board assurance and Quality Committee reports.

Responsibilities include day-to-day operational management of maternity and gynaecology services, leading workforce and safe staffing reviews, and ensuring compliance with Trust-wide policies.

The role leads on governance, quality improvement, incident management, safeguarding, patient experience and continuous professional development, ensuring women and families remain at the centre of care.

With a new hospital planned for Watford, work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital and plans for a neighbourhood healthcare centre in Hemel Hempstead, this is an exciting time to join us.

We are building on the success of our award-winning virtual hospital and re-imagining models of care, working closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare.

Staff wellbeing and development are a priority, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience.

Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive. They capture an important balance across what we must all do as individuals and to support others.

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If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

The Head of Midwifery will provide strategic and professional leadership to midwives, nurses, clinical nurse specialists, matrons and multidisciplinary teams across women’s services.

They will ensure effective workforce management, clinical supervision and staff development frameworks are in place to promote engagement, excellence and continuous improvement.

The post holder will work closely with key stakeholders including Maternity Voice Partnerships and Local Maternity Systems, sharing best practice locally and nationally.

Core hours are Monday–Friday, with flexibility required to meet service needs and provide senior leadership cover, including deputising during planned and unplanned absences.

• Current registration as a Midwife on relevant part of the NMC Register.
• First degree or equivalent.
• Master’s Degree.
• Leadership qualifications and/ or experience.
• Implemented and lead on practice related changes.
• Strong evidence of continuing professional development.
• Evidence of Executive/Leadership Development.
• Recognised leadership course.

• Sound knowledge and experience of all aspects of midwifery practice.
• Sound knowledge of current national drives, National maternity agenda, assurance around maternity quality and safety.
• Excellent evidence based theoretical knowledge with the ability to apply theory to practice.
• Knowledge of issues around safeguarding…