Band 8a - Paediatric Matron, WACS

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated Children's Nurse Leader to join our Children's Services team as Paediatric Matron on a 12-month fixed-term contract or a secondment opportunity. Due to the current postholder themselves taking up a secondment opportunity, we are seeking an inspiring and compassionate leader who is passionate about delivering high-quality care for babies, children, young people and their families.

This is a fantastic opportunity to gain experience across a wide range of children's services while contributing to exciting quality improvement and service development work already underway across the division.

Whether you are an experienced Matron or an ambitious senior nurse looking to take the next step in your leadership journey, you will be supported by a dedicated and experienced senior leadership team.

The successful candidate will provide visible clinical and operational leadership across the paediatric footprint including Starfish Children's Ward, Safari Day Unit and Ambulatory Care, and Children's Outpatient Departments across Watford and Hemel Hempstead. Working closely with the Deputy Director of Nursing for Paediatrics, Clinical Directors, Operational and multidisciplinary colleagues, you will support the delivery of safe, effective and high-quality care across Children's Services.

You will lead and support quality improvement initiatives, workforce development, clinical governance, patient experience and service development, helping to shape future models of care for babies, children and young people.

The postholder will also work closely with our Children's Clinical Nurse Specialist teams, including our highly regarded Transition Service, and collaborate with Urgent and Emergency Care colleagues to improve pathways and outcomes for babies, children and young people.

We are looking for a credible, compassionate and approachable leader with excellent communication skills, a passion for continuous improvement and a commitment to developing high-performing teams.

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. We offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work life balance.

If you have a disability or long-term health condition and require support or guidance please contact

If you are a Service Leaver, Veteran, Military Reserve, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, or partner/spouse of those serving please tick "Member of the Armed Forces Community" on the application form.

Date posted: 10 September 2026

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 8a

Salary: £59,798 to £67,020 a year
pa inc. HCA

Contract: Fixed term

Duration: 12 months

Working pattern: Full-time

Reference number: 360-D-11790

Job locations: Watford General Hospital, Watford, WD18 0HB
, United Kingdom

The Paediatric Matron is responsible for the operational and professional leadership of designated children's services, ensuring the delivery of safe, effective and high-quality care. The…