Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust

Sister/Charge Nurse - Blundell ward

The closing date is 21 October 2025

Job summary

Exciting Leadership Opportunity: Ward Manager - Blundell Ward, Specialist Head and Neck Care & ENT Ward

Are you a passionate nurse with strong leadership skills and a deep commitment to specialised patient care? Do you want to lead a team delivering world-class nursing for patients with complex head and neck conditions? If so, this is your chance to make a meaningful impact!

We are thrilled to announce a fantastic opportunity to join Blundell Ward as a Substantive Ward Manager -- a ward renowned for its exceptional care in head and neck cancer, oncology, haematology, and ENT, encompassing both surgical and medical specialties.

Why Blundell Ward?

Blundell Ward is a ward of excellence specialising in caring for patients with complex airways, including tracheostomy and laryngectomy care. Our patients often undergo life-saving, extensive surgeries that affect them physically and psychologically, creating a unique chance for you to lead a compassionate, holistic approach that truly transforms patient journeys.

Located on the prestigious Guys Site, Blundell Ward offers 24 beds, including 4 side rooms, providing a dynamic and supportive environment for both patients and staff.

Main duties of the job

What You'll Do

  • Lead and inspire a dedicated nursing team delivering specialised, high-quality care to our patients.

  • Oversee smooth daily ward operations,

  • Champion holistic, patient-centred care addressing the physical, psychological needs of both patients and staff.

  • Support and develop staff to reach their full potential.

  • Shaping service development and continuous improvement

Who We're Looking For

  • An experienced, compassionate nurse leader

  • Clinical knowledge in managing complex airway and oncology patients is desirable but not essential.

  • A natural mentor with strong organisational and communication skills.

  • A visionary leader eager to drive innovation and deliver excellence.

  • A collaborative team player ready to make a real difference every day and bring the team with them.

Why Join Us?

  • Join a highly skilled, supportive team including deputy managers, Matron, Head of Nursing, and Practice Development Nurse dedicated to your growth.

  • Thrive in a challenging yet rewarding environment where your leadership directly impacts patient lives.

  • Enjoy ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities within a leading Surgical Oncology directorate.

Ready to lead a specialised team committed to transforming patient care?Take the next step in your nursing leadership journey and apply today.For an informal visit prior to interview dates, please contact us--we look forward to hearing from you.

About us

Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust comprises five of the UK's best known hospitals - Guy's, St Thomas', Evelina London Children's Hospital, Royal Brompton and Harefield - as well as community services in Lambeth and Southwark, all with a long history of high quality care, clinical excellence, research and innovation.

We are among the UK's busiest, most successful foundation trusts. We

provide specialist care for patients including heart and lung, cancer and renal services as well as a full range of local hospital and community services for people in Lambeth and Southwark.

We have a long tradition of clinical and scientific achievement and - as part of King's Health Partners - we are one of England's eight academic health

sciences centres, bringing together world-class clinical services, teaching and research. We have one of the National Institute for Health Research's

biomedical research centres, established with King's College London in 2007, as well as dedicated clinical research facilities.

Details

Date posted

08 October 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£56,276 to £63,176 a year p.a inc HCA

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

196-NM13291-K

Job locations

Guys Hospital

Great Maze Pond

London

SE1 9RT


Job description

Job responsibilities

Duties and Responsibilities

- Clinical Leadership and Managerial

Lead the ward/Department team and build successful links between key professionals to support and promote effective multi-disciplinary team working.

Manage the department nursing staff, ensuring the patients receive high quality clinical care and a good patient experience, having regard for their customs, religious beliefs and doctrines.

Be wholly accountable for his / her practice in line with the NMC code of professional conduct and takes every reasonable opportunity to sustain and improve his / her knowledge and professional competence.

Communicate effectively and efficiently and liaise with other members of the multi-disciplinary team to ensure that patients receive seamless care within the trust.

Act as a professional nurse leader and role model to the staff. To apply clinical skills of the highest standard and to take a proactive approach to the development of clinical competence in self and others.

Maximise use of clinical resources, implementing best practice in patient flow, admission and discharge arrangements.

Monitor monthly budget statements, identifying trends, understanding spending patterns in order to stay in budget and to take action as required.

Comply with the Trusts standing financial instructions.

Ensure that the departments have adequate resources / equipment to provide an effective service.

Develop and maintain effective channels of communication between all members of the multi disciplinary team.

To ensure the Matron is informed when changes to circumstances may affect safe competent practice.

Participate in nursing and multi professional research and audit and to implement actions identified from quality initiatives.

Identify and intervene where circumstances contribute to an unsafe environment for patients and staff. To bring instances to the attention of the Matron / Head of Nursing for the area.

Lead and support the ward team through the process of change, demonstrating tenacity, drive, professional integrity, balance and perspective.

Deputise for the Matron as appropriate

Responsible for the correct administration of prescribed medication including transfusion of blood

Responsible for the correct administration of blood products.

Be responsible for assessing and recognising emergencies in the speciality. To interpret information and take appropriate action and to lead others to do the same.

Act is an advocate for patients within the department, to ensure a patient orientated approach to the delivery of care and to meet standards within the NHS Plan and other relevant guidelines.

Recognise and avoid situations that may be detrimental to the health and wellbeing of the individuals.

  • Monitor length of stay and effectively escalate barriers to discharge.

4.2 Staff Management, Education and Training

Motivate, develop, support and identify training needs for department staff.

Implement and work within the Trusts HR policies on all staffing matters, including sickness, capability and disciplinary issues. Take corrective measures if indicated in liaison with Human Resources and the Matron.

Work with the Matron and Human Resources Department in the recruitment, selection, appointment and retention of staff.

Monitor recruitment and retention and use all available strategies to retain and motivate staff e.g. flexible working policy.

Participate in appraisals and the setting of objectives for junior staff in the department to enable them to achieve optimal effectiveness and to understand their contribution to the directorate.

Ensure that appropriate written induction programmes are available and utilised for all new staff within the department

Working closely with the Practice Development Team, ensure that relevant clinical based teaching programmes are in place and maintain accurate training records.

Actively participate in teaching of junior staff and students.

Ensure that nursing staff receive appropriate training and professional education in accordance with the NMCs PREP Recommendations.

Ensure that staff attend and assist in training where appropriate on mandatory training sessions and maintain accurate records of these.

Liaise with affiliated Institutes of Higher Education to ensure that the learning environment is appropriate for both pre and post registration learners and undertaking any action identified through audit.

Participate in the education and assessment of staff undertaking a specialist course or further education programmes.

Keep abreast of developments and research in Nursing Practice.

Adhere to trust and departmental policies and procedures, ensuring that all staff do the same.

Ensure optimised skill mix within the department/ward and reviewing the skill mix as required and monitoring the use of bank and agency staff.

Organise team meetings at an appropriate frequency, recording and circulating minutes of these. To ensure a good method of communication within the department at all times and to encourage the exchange and implementation of new ideas and evidence based practice.

4.3 Clinical Governance, Audit And Research

Ensure that the delivery of care to all patients meet the standards set by yourself and the Trust.

Take responsibility for ensuring the highest standards of Infection prevention and control are practiced at all times.

Demonstrate a high level of commitment to and enthusiasm for research, evidence based practice, audit and education in the clinical area.

Actively contribute to reconfiguration projects, service redesign developments and Directorate business planning as required.

Be proactive in the risk assessment, management, clinical incident reporting and management of complaints.

Ensure all staff move and handle patients and goods in ways that promote the health of the patient and care team and are consistent with legislation.

Contribute to the development of Directorate and Trust policies, procedures and clinical guidelines and ensure adherence by self and ward team.

Undertake clinical and associated audits as appropriate for the given area.

Record and report all incidents, accidents and complaints involving staff, patients and visitors in accordance with the trust policies and initiate investigations as required.

Participate in, and comply with, the trusts framework for clinical governance within the department area.

Assist in the investigation and timely resolution of complaints, incidents and comments within the Pre operative Assessment Unit and Surgical Admissions Lounge.

4.4 Service Development

Lead on the implementation of the clinical and organisational model for the area.

Lead on ensuring that the area continues to be based upon sound business projections, good financial planning and delivered according to appropriate standards within financial resources.

Contribute to and to be aware of the business plan and its implication for service delivery and nursing',

Lead on monitoring the overall activity for the area.

Identify opportunities to develop new ways of working and challenge, change and expand roles, working in conjunction with the Education and Practice Development Team/s, Matrons and Head of Nursing.

Proactively seek feedback on patient and public experience in order to address concerns in a timely manner and build on success.

Assist with the development, implementation and evaluation of departmental protocols ensuring coherence and consistency across both sites.

To undertake audit and monitoring of the department/ward and participate in the implementation of changes to improve service delivery.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Duties and Responsibilities

- Clinical Leadership and Managerial

Lead the ward/Department team and build successful links between key professionals to support and promote effective multi-disciplinary team working.

Manage the department nursing staff, ensuring the patients receive high quality clinical care and a good patient experience, having regard for their customs, religious beliefs and doctrines.

Be wholly accountable for his / her practice in line with the NMC code of professional conduct and takes every reasonable opportunity to sustain and improve his / her knowledge and professional competence.

Communicate effectively and efficiently and liaise with other members of the multi-disciplinary team to ensure that patients receive seamless care within the trust.

Act as a professional nurse leader and role model to the staff. To apply clinical skills of the highest standard and to take a proactive approach to the development of clinical competence in self and others.

Maximise use of clinical resources, implementing best practice in patient flow, admission and discharge arrangements.

Monitor monthly budget statements, identifying trends, understanding spending patterns in order to stay in budget and to take action as required.

Comply with the Trusts standing financial instructions.

Ensure that the departments have adequate resources / equipment to provide an effective service.

Develop and maintain effective channels of communication between all members of the multi disciplinary team.

To ensure the Matron is informed when changes to circumstances may affect safe competent practice.

Participate in nursing and multi professional research and audit and to implement actions identified from quality initiatives.

Identify and intervene where circumstances contribute to an unsafe environment for patients and staff. To bring instances to the attention of the Matron / Head of Nursing for the area.

Lead and support the ward team through the process of change, demonstrating tenacity, drive, professional integrity, balance and perspective.

Deputise for the Matron as appropriate

Responsible for the correct administration of prescribed medication including transfusion of blood

Responsible for the correct administration of blood products.

Be responsible for assessing and recognising emergencies in the speciality. To interpret information and take appropriate action and to lead others to do the same.

Act is an advocate for patients within the department, to ensure a patient orientated approach to the delivery of care and to meet standards within the NHS Plan and other relevant guidelines.

Recognise and avoid situations that may be detrimental to the health and wellbeing of the individuals.

  • Monitor length of stay and effectively escalate barriers to discharge.

4.2 Staff Management, Education and Training

Motivate, develop, support and identify training needs for department staff.

Implement and work within the Trusts HR policies on all staffing matters, including sickness, capability and disciplinary issues. Take corrective measures if indicated in liaison with Human Resources and the Matron.

Work with the Matron and Human Resources Department in the recruitment, selection, appointment and retention of staff.

Monitor recruitment and retention and use all available strategies to retain and motivate staff e.g. flexible working policy.

Participate in appraisals and the setting of objectives for junior staff in the department to enable them to achieve optimal effectiveness and to understand their contribution to the directorate.

Ensure that appropriate written induction programmes are available and utilised for all new staff within the department

Working closely with the Practice Development Team, ensure that relevant clinical based teaching programmes are in place and maintain accurate training records.

Actively participate in teaching of junior staff and students.

Ensure that nursing staff receive appropriate training and professional education in accordance with the NMCs PREP Recommendations.

Ensure that staff attend and assist in training where appropriate on mandatory training sessions and maintain accurate records of these.

Liaise with affiliated Institutes of Higher Education to ensure that the learning environment is appropriate for both pre and post registration learners and undertaking any action identified through audit.

Participate in the education and assessment of staff undertaking a specialist course or further education programmes.

Keep abreast of developments and research in Nursing Practice.

Adhere to trust and departmental policies and procedures, ensuring that all staff do the same.

Ensure optimised skill mix within the department/ward and reviewing the skill mix as required and monitoring the use of bank and agency staff.

Organise team meetings at an appropriate frequency, recording and circulating minutes of these. To ensure a good method of communication within the department at all times and to encourage the exchange and implementation of new ideas and evidence based practice.

4.3 Clinical Governance, Audit And Research

Ensure that the delivery of care to all patients meet the standards set by yourself and the Trust.

Take responsibility for ensuring the highest standards of Infection prevention and control are practiced at all times.

Demonstrate a high level of commitment to and enthusiasm for research, evidence based practice, audit and education in the clinical area.

Actively contribute to reconfiguration projects, service redesign developments and Directorate business planning as required.

Be proactive in the risk assessment, management, clinical incident reporting and management of complaints.

Ensure all staff move and handle patients and goods in ways that promote the health of the patient and care team and are consistent with legislation.

Contribute to the development of Directorate and Trust policies, procedures and clinical guidelines and ensure adherence by self and ward team.

Undertake clinical and associated audits as appropriate for the given area.

Record and report all incidents, accidents and complaints involving staff, patients and visitors in accordance with the trust policies and initiate investigations as required.

Participate in, and comply with, the trusts framework for clinical governance within the department area.

Assist in the investigation and timely resolution of complaints, incidents and comments within the Pre operative Assessment Unit and Surgical Admissions Lounge.

4.4 Service Development

Lead on the implementation of the clinical and organisational model for the area.

Lead on ensuring that the area continues to be based upon sound business projections, good financial planning and delivered according to appropriate standards within financial resources.

Contribute to and to be aware of the business plan and its implication for service delivery and nursing',

Lead on monitoring the overall activity for the area.

Identify opportunities to develop new ways of working and challenge, change and expand roles, working in conjunction with the Education and Practice Development Team/s, Matrons and Head of Nursing.

Proactively seek feedback on patient and public experience in order to address concerns in a timely manner and build on success.

Assist with the development, implementation and evaluation of departmental protocols ensuring coherence and consistency across both sites.

To undertake audit and monitoring of the department/ward and participate in the implementation of changes to improve service delivery.

Person Specification

Knowledge

Essential

  • RGN level 1
  • Mentorship / ENB998
  • Leadership / Management studies (ie Intermediate course, Nightingale leadership, passport to management))
  • Evidence of ongoing professional development

Desirable

  • MSc in Nursing or working towards
  • Relevant knowledge in speciality, head and neck, airways management

Skills

Essential

  • Leadership skills
  • Time management and organisational skills
  • Communication skills
  • Service development
  • Teaching and mentoring skills
  • Awareness of clinical governance and risk management

Experience

Essential

  • Management experience
  • Experience in staff development
  • Experience in speciality- Surgery, Oncology, ENT, H&N, ITU, HDU or other inpatient ward areas
  • Teamwork / Multidisciplinary working
  • Conducting Staff Performance Development Reviews(PDR)

Desirable

  • Audit and Research experience
  • Safe staffing and rosters management

Values and Behaviours

Essential

  • Value and Behaviours
Person Specification

Knowledge

Essential

  • RGN level 1
  • Mentorship / ENB998
  • Leadership / Management studies (ie Intermediate course, Nightingale leadership, passport to management))
  • Evidence of ongoing professional development

Desirable

  • MSc in Nursing or working towards
  • Relevant knowledge in speciality, head and neck, airways management

Skills

Essential

  • Leadership skills
  • Time management and organisational skills
  • Communication skills
  • Service development
  • Teaching and mentoring skills
  • Awareness of clinical governance and risk management

Experience

Essential

  • Management experience
  • Experience in staff development
  • Experience in speciality- Surgery, Oncology, ENT, H&N, ITU, HDU or other inpatient ward areas
  • Teamwork / Multidisciplinary working
  • Conducting Staff Performance Development Reviews(PDR)

Desirable

  • Audit and Research experience
  • Safe staffing and rosters management

Values and Behaviours

Essential

  • Value and Behaviours

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Guys Hospital

Great Maze Pond

London

SE1 9RT


Employer's website

https://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/careers/careers.aspx (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Guys Hospital

Great Maze Pond

London

SE1 9RT


Employer's website

https://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/careers/careers.aspx (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Surgical Oncology Matron

Ashley Sartini

a.sartini@nhs.net

07935341904

Details

Date posted

08 October 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£56,276 to £63,176 a year p.a inc HCA

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

196-NM13291-K

Job locations

Guys Hospital

Great Maze Pond

London

SE1 9RT


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

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