Job summary
We are looking for a dynamic Quality, Safety and Governance, who is passionate and committed to delivering high-quality care and ensuring a positive patient experience. This Band 8A leadership role is central to the ongoing development and improvement of maternity services at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust.
You will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the maternity unit, providing visible leadership and driving quality improvement initiatives. You will be accessible to women, families, and staff, and will champion excellence in care, cleanliness, infection control, and clinical standards. As part of the midwifery team, you will also participate in the midwifery management on-call rota.
Main duties of the job
- Lead the operational and clinical management of the maternity unit.
- Provide visible, inclusive leadership and uphold professional midwifery standards.
- Drive service improvement and transformation aligned with national maternity priorities.
- Ensure high standards of cleanliness, infection control, and clinical care.
- Promote dignity, respect, and personalised care for all women and families.
- Embed robust governance and quality improvement processes.
- Lead workforce planning, staff development, and performance management.
- Monitor KPIs and use data to inform strategic decisions.
- Represent the service at local, regional, and national forums.
- Participate in the midwifery management on-call rota.
About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:
- Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
- NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
- Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
- A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential
Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.
We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.
The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.
Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Leadership & Governance
- Act as the most senior midwifery leader within the maternity unit.
- Ensure accountability for midwifery practice and uphold Trust values.
- Lead the implementation of maternity safety tools and national reporting (e.g. MBRRACE, MNSI).
- Coordinate quality improvement and learning programmes across maternity and neonatal services.
- Support the Heads of Midwifery in monitoring the Maternity & Neonatal Risk Register.
Quality & Safety
- Champion a culture of safety, learning, and continuous improvement.
- Lead investigations into complaints and incidents, ensuring shared learning and sustained change.
- Promote evidence-based practice and innovation in care delivery.
- Ensure compliance with the Maternity Incentive Scheme and national standards.
Operational Management
- Oversee staffing, budgets, and resource allocation to ensure safe service delivery.
- Maintain high levels of staff engagement, training compliance, and appraisal completion.
- Support digital transformation and efficient care processes.
Patient Experience
- Be highly visible and accessible to women and families.
- Advocate for personalised, respectful, and compassionate care.
- Use feedback from FFT, complaints, and Maternity Voices Partnership to inform improvements.
Collaboration & Communication
- Build strong relationships with multidisciplinary teams, commissioners, and external partners.
- Represent the service in strategic meetings and forums.
- Facilitate effective communication across organisational boundaries.
Education & Development
- Lead staff development through coaching, mentorship, and structured training.
- Promote research, audit, and continuous professional development.
- Support in-house education programmes and reflective learning.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Leadership & Governance
- Act as the most senior midwifery leader within the maternity unit.
- Ensure accountability for midwifery practice and uphold Trust values.
- Lead the implementation of maternity safety tools and national reporting (e.g. MBRRACE, MNSI).
- Coordinate quality improvement and learning programmes across maternity and neonatal services.
- Support the Heads of Midwifery in monitoring the Maternity & Neonatal Risk Register.
Quality & Safety
- Champion a culture of safety, learning, and continuous improvement.
- Lead investigations into complaints and incidents, ensuring shared learning and sustained change.
- Promote evidence-based practice and innovation in care delivery.
- Ensure compliance with the Maternity Incentive Scheme and national standards.
Operational Management
- Oversee staffing, budgets, and resource allocation to ensure safe service delivery.
- Maintain high levels of staff engagement, training compliance, and appraisal completion.
- Support digital transformation and efficient care processes.
Patient Experience
- Be highly visible and accessible to women and families.
- Advocate for personalised, respectful, and compassionate care.
- Use feedback from FFT, complaints, and Maternity Voices Partnership to inform improvements.
Collaboration & Communication
- Build strong relationships with multidisciplinary teams, commissioners, and external partners.
- Represent the service in strategic meetings and forums.
- Facilitate effective communication across organisational boundaries.
Education & Development
- Lead staff development through coaching, mentorship, and structured training.
- Promote research, audit, and continuous professional development.
- Support in-house education programmes and reflective learning.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Professional Registration
- Master's Degree or working towards or equivalent exponential experience at senior level
- Neonatal Life Support
Desirable
- Evidence of Leadership course/management training.Post-graduate management qualification and/or equivalent level of knowledge gained through extensive experience.
Experience
Essential
- Acute Health sector experience including multi-disciplinary professional workforce.
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Track record of delivering clinical quality improvements and successful service change.Experience of audit and continuous quality improvement.Change management skills.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Professional Registration
- Master's Degree or working towards or equivalent exponential experience at senior level
- Neonatal Life Support
Desirable
- Evidence of Leadership course/management training.Post-graduate management qualification and/or equivalent level of knowledge gained through extensive experience.
Experience
Essential
- Acute Health sector experience including multi-disciplinary professional workforce.
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Track record of delivering clinical quality improvements and successful service change.Experience of audit and continuous quality improvement.Change management skills.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
