King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Ward Manager - Acute Stroke Unit

The closing date is 03 February 2026

Job summary

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Acute Stroke Ward Manager to provide clinical and operational leadership for the ward. This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead a multidisciplinary team in delivering high-quality, evidence-based, patient-centred stroke care while ensuring strategic development and operational excellence of the service.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the operational management, clinical leadership, financial oversight, and strategic development of the ward, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement within a safe and effective care environment. The Acute stroke ward manager works closely with HASU stroke ward manager providing cross cover as required and in conjunction with the teams within Integrated Medicine Care Group and across the Division and Trust.

Main duties of the job

Provide daily visible clinical and operational leadership to the multidisciplinary team, ensuring delivery of high-quality, evidence-based, person-centred safe care. You will be clinically expert in the care of stroke patients, with a developed acumen for management of change and quality improvement.

Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills to support delivery of professional advice or care guidance which is well understood by patients' relatives/carers members of the multidisciplinary team and nursing team.

About us

The Trust provides a full range of local and specialist services across its five sites. The trust-wide strategy of Strong Roots, Global Reach is our Vision to be BOLD, Brilliant people, Outstanding care, Leaders in Research, Innovation and Education, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion at the heart of everything we do. By being person-centred, digitally-enabled, and focused on sustainability, we aim to take Team King's to another level.

We are at a pivotal point in our history and we require individuals who are ready to join a highly professional team and make a real, lasting difference to our patients and our people.

King's is committed to delivering Sustainable Healthcare for All via our Green Plan. In line with national Greener NHS ambitions, we have set net zero carbon targets of 2040 for our NHS Carbon Footprint and 2045 for our NHS Carbon Footprint Plus. Everyone's contribution is required in order to meet the goals set out in our Green Plan and we encourage all staff to work responsibly, minimising their contributions to the Trust's carbon emissions, waste and pollution wherever possible.

Details

Date posted

21 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£53,751 to £60,651 a year per annum, including high cost area

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

213-DivisionB-7632532-B

Job locations

Princess Royal University Hospital

Farnborough Common

Orpington

BR2 8ND


Job description

Job responsibilities

Leadership and Operations

Provide clinical and operational leadership to the multidisciplinary team, ensuring delivery of high-quality, evidence-based, person-centred care

Maintain robust oversight of staffing levels, skill mix, and resource allocation to ensure safe and effective service delivery

Lead by example in promoting evidence-based practice and maintaining professional standards across the ward

.

Oversee ward performance metrics and implement strategic changes to improve efficiency and patient outcomes

Ensure good patient flow planning so that individual patients needs are met with an appropriate plan of action and involving the multiprofessional team as required. To include supporting the outlying patient base.

Develop strong links with the clinical site management team, the patient flow co Ordinator and our receiving trusts for stroke patients.

To have holistic patient assessment skills) i.e.: history taking and physical examination skills, to support prompt clinical decision making and appropriate action occurs in the best interest of the patients wellbeing.

Ensure adherence to NMC Code of Professional Conduct and support all staff in maintaining professional standards

Champion innovation and best practice, leading service development initiatives

People Management and Development

Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills to support delivery of professional advice or care guidance which is well understood by patients relatives/carers members of the multidisciplinary team and nursing team.

Lead on staff recruitment, selection, and retention strategies, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement

Work collaboratively with the Practice Development nurse and Stroke Clinical Nurse Specialist so thats staff receive appropriate speciality development.

Manage staff performance effectively through regular appraisals, objective setting, and addressing performance concerns promptly

Provide clinical supervision, mentorship, and support to nursing staff and junior team members

Oversee effective roster management, creating and maintaining staff schedules that meet service needs while supporting work-life balance

Monitor and manage staff unavailability including annual leave, study leave, and sickness absence, ensuring fair allocation and adequate service coverage

Implement robust processes for managing long-term sickness absence and supporting staff return to work

Lead on talent development, succession planning, and building a resilient, skilled workforce

Maintain own professional development and NMC registration through continuous learning and reflection

Support staff in maintaining professional registration and meeting revalidation requirements

Work collaboratively with teaching staff to ensure effective development programs for all staff levels

Financial Management and Resource Allocation

Manage the ward's budget and resources effectively, ensuring optimal staffing levels and efficient use of resources

Monitor financial performance against budgetary targets and implement corrective actions as required

Justify and present business cases for additional resources or service developments

Quality and Governance

Actively participate in Care Group quality initiatives and governance meetings, contributing to trust-wide improvement projects

Implement and embed quality assurance frameworks and regulatory compliance standards

Drive quality improvement initiatives based on patient feedback, clinical audits, and national performance metrics

Ensure robust governance processes are in place to maintain patient and staff safety

Lead incident investigation and learning processes, implementing improvements to prevent recurrence

Maintain comprehensive, contemporaneous record keeping and ensure all staff adhere to documentation standards

Champion patient confidentiality, dignity, and privacy standards across the service

Service Development and Strategy

Develop and implement strategic plans to enhance service delivery and patient outcomes

Support delivery of the Care Group's strategic objectives through local action plans and initiatives

Lead service development initiatives and contribute to divisional and trust-wide change management programs

Stay current with research developments and ensure implications for practice are implemented appropriately

Act as a clinical expert and professional role model, promoting excellence in nursing practice

Stakeholder Engagement and Patient Experience

Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure seamless patient pathways

Establish effective partnerships with community providers, discharge services, and other external agencies

Lead on collection, analysis, and implementation of patient and family feedback to drive service improvements

Liaise effectively with discharge coordinators and bed managers to ensure effective patient flow and discharge planning

Promote patient and family involvement in care planning and health education initiatives

Ensure clear, accurate communication is provided to patients, families, and all stakeholders

Clinical Excellence and Professional Development

Maintain clinical competency and provide clinical expertise to support complex patient care decisions

Keep up to date with current evidence-based practice and ensure its implementation across the ward

Support and contribute to research activities and evidence-based practice development

Participate in Trust and Divisional initiatives to develop nursing practice and support change

Act as a practice supervisor, preceptor, and mentor for nursing staff at all levels

General

  • The post holder has a general duty of care for their own health, safety and wellbeing and that of work colleagues, visitors and patients within the hospital, in addition to any specific risk management or clinical governance accountabilities associated with this post.
  • To observe the rules, policies, procedures and standards of King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust together with all relevant statutory and professional obligations.
  • To undertake any other duties appropriate to the grade, which may be required from time to time.
  • We want to be an organisation where everyone shares a commitment to delivering the very best care and feels like their contribution is valuable and valued.
  • At Kings we are a kind, respectful team:

Kind. We show compassion and understanding and bring a positive attitude to our work

Respectful. We promote equality, are inclusive and honest, speaking up when needed

Team. We support each other, communicate openly, and are reassuringly professional

  • To observe and maintain strict confidentiality of personal information relating to patients and staff.
  • To be responsible, with management support, for their own personal development and to actively contribute to the development of colleagues.
  • This job description is intended as a guide to the general scope of duties and is not intended to be definitive or restrictive. It is expected that some of the duties will change over time and this description will be subject to review in consultation with the post holder.
  • All employees must hold an 'nhs.net' email account which will be the Trust's formal route for email communication.

Safe Guarding

The Trust takes the issues of Safeguarding Children, Adults and addressing Domestic Abuse very seriously. All employees have a responsibilityto support the organisation in our duties by;

  • attending mandatory training on safeguarding children and adults
  • familiarising themselves with the Trust's processes for reporting concerns
  • reportingany safeguarding child or adult concerns appropriately

Infection Control Statement

The post holder has an important responsibility for and contribution to make to infection control and must be familiar with the infection control and hygiene requirements of this role.

These requirements are set out in the National Code of Practice on Infection Control and in local policies and procedures which will be made clear during your induction and subsequent refresher training. These standards must be strictly complied with at all times.

Take leadership responsibility for infection control standards and compliance across the ward

Ensure all staff are familiar with and comply with infection control and hygiene procedures

Monitor and audit compliance with National Code of Practice on Infection Control and local policies

Lead by example in maintaining the highest standards of infection prevention and control.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Leadership and Operations

Provide clinical and operational leadership to the multidisciplinary team, ensuring delivery of high-quality, evidence-based, person-centred care

Maintain robust oversight of staffing levels, skill mix, and resource allocation to ensure safe and effective service delivery

Lead by example in promoting evidence-based practice and maintaining professional standards across the ward

.

Oversee ward performance metrics and implement strategic changes to improve efficiency and patient outcomes

Ensure good patient flow planning so that individual patients needs are met with an appropriate plan of action and involving the multiprofessional team as required. To include supporting the outlying patient base.

Develop strong links with the clinical site management team, the patient flow co Ordinator and our receiving trusts for stroke patients.

To have holistic patient assessment skills) i.e.: history taking and physical examination skills, to support prompt clinical decision making and appropriate action occurs in the best interest of the patients wellbeing.

Ensure adherence to NMC Code of Professional Conduct and support all staff in maintaining professional standards

Champion innovation and best practice, leading service development initiatives

People Management and Development

Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills to support delivery of professional advice or care guidance which is well understood by patients relatives/carers members of the multidisciplinary team and nursing team.

Lead on staff recruitment, selection, and retention strategies, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement

Work collaboratively with the Practice Development nurse and Stroke Clinical Nurse Specialist so thats staff receive appropriate speciality development.

Manage staff performance effectively through regular appraisals, objective setting, and addressing performance concerns promptly

Provide clinical supervision, mentorship, and support to nursing staff and junior team members

Oversee effective roster management, creating and maintaining staff schedules that meet service needs while supporting work-life balance

Monitor and manage staff unavailability including annual leave, study leave, and sickness absence, ensuring fair allocation and adequate service coverage

Implement robust processes for managing long-term sickness absence and supporting staff return to work

Lead on talent development, succession planning, and building a resilient, skilled workforce

Maintain own professional development and NMC registration through continuous learning and reflection

Support staff in maintaining professional registration and meeting revalidation requirements

Work collaboratively with teaching staff to ensure effective development programs for all staff levels

Financial Management and Resource Allocation

Manage the ward's budget and resources effectively, ensuring optimal staffing levels and efficient use of resources

Monitor financial performance against budgetary targets and implement corrective actions as required

Justify and present business cases for additional resources or service developments

Quality and Governance

Actively participate in Care Group quality initiatives and governance meetings, contributing to trust-wide improvement projects

Implement and embed quality assurance frameworks and regulatory compliance standards

Drive quality improvement initiatives based on patient feedback, clinical audits, and national performance metrics

Ensure robust governance processes are in place to maintain patient and staff safety

Lead incident investigation and learning processes, implementing improvements to prevent recurrence

Maintain comprehensive, contemporaneous record keeping and ensure all staff adhere to documentation standards

Champion patient confidentiality, dignity, and privacy standards across the service

Service Development and Strategy

Develop and implement strategic plans to enhance service delivery and patient outcomes

Support delivery of the Care Group's strategic objectives through local action plans and initiatives

Lead service development initiatives and contribute to divisional and trust-wide change management programs

Stay current with research developments and ensure implications for practice are implemented appropriately

Act as a clinical expert and professional role model, promoting excellence in nursing practice

Stakeholder Engagement and Patient Experience

Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure seamless patient pathways

Establish effective partnerships with community providers, discharge services, and other external agencies

Lead on collection, analysis, and implementation of patient and family feedback to drive service improvements

Liaise effectively with discharge coordinators and bed managers to ensure effective patient flow and discharge planning

Promote patient and family involvement in care planning and health education initiatives

Ensure clear, accurate communication is provided to patients, families, and all stakeholders

Clinical Excellence and Professional Development

Maintain clinical competency and provide clinical expertise to support complex patient care decisions

Keep up to date with current evidence-based practice and ensure its implementation across the ward

Support and contribute to research activities and evidence-based practice development

Participate in Trust and Divisional initiatives to develop nursing practice and support change

Act as a practice supervisor, preceptor, and mentor for nursing staff at all levels

General

  • The post holder has a general duty of care for their own health, safety and wellbeing and that of work colleagues, visitors and patients within the hospital, in addition to any specific risk management or clinical governance accountabilities associated with this post.
  • To observe the rules, policies, procedures and standards of King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust together with all relevant statutory and professional obligations.
  • To undertake any other duties appropriate to the grade, which may be required from time to time.
  • We want to be an organisation where everyone shares a commitment to delivering the very best care and feels like their contribution is valuable and valued.
  • At Kings we are a kind, respectful team:

Kind. We show compassion and understanding and bring a positive attitude to our work

Respectful. We promote equality, are inclusive and honest, speaking up when needed

Team. We support each other, communicate openly, and are reassuringly professional

  • To observe and maintain strict confidentiality of personal information relating to patients and staff.
  • To be responsible, with management support, for their own personal development and to actively contribute to the development of colleagues.
  • This job description is intended as a guide to the general scope of duties and is not intended to be definitive or restrictive. It is expected that some of the duties will change over time and this description will be subject to review in consultation with the post holder.
  • All employees must hold an 'nhs.net' email account which will be the Trust's formal route for email communication.

Safe Guarding

The Trust takes the issues of Safeguarding Children, Adults and addressing Domestic Abuse very seriously. All employees have a responsibilityto support the organisation in our duties by;

  • attending mandatory training on safeguarding children and adults
  • familiarising themselves with the Trust's processes for reporting concerns
  • reportingany safeguarding child or adult concerns appropriately

Infection Control Statement

The post holder has an important responsibility for and contribution to make to infection control and must be familiar with the infection control and hygiene requirements of this role.

These requirements are set out in the National Code of Practice on Infection Control and in local policies and procedures which will be made clear during your induction and subsequent refresher training. These standards must be strictly complied with at all times.

Take leadership responsibility for infection control standards and compliance across the ward

Ensure all staff are familiar with and comply with infection control and hygiene procedures

Monitor and audit compliance with National Code of Practice on Infection Control and local policies

Lead by example in maintaining the highest standards of infection prevention and control.

Person Specification

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

  • Evidence of effective multi-disciplinary working
  • Has demonstrated leadership skills in a supervisory/team leader context
  • Demonstrates evidence of developing innovative practice and of being proactive in the management of change
  • Mentorship Qualification / Stroke Qualification

Desirable

  • Experience of audit
  • Previous involvement in quality initiatives.

Qualifications

Essential

  • Registered Nurse (RN1) with active NMC registration
  • Mentorship qualification

Desirable

  • A management qualification or training, or the willingness to undertake this
Person Specification

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

  • Evidence of effective multi-disciplinary working
  • Has demonstrated leadership skills in a supervisory/team leader context
  • Demonstrates evidence of developing innovative practice and of being proactive in the management of change
  • Mentorship Qualification / Stroke Qualification

Desirable

  • Experience of audit
  • Previous involvement in quality initiatives.

Qualifications

Essential

  • Registered Nurse (RN1) with active NMC registration
  • Mentorship qualification

Desirable

  • A management qualification or training, or the willingness to undertake this

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

King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Princess Royal University Hospital

Farnborough Common

Orpington

BR2 8ND


Employer's website

https://www.kch.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Princess Royal University Hospital

Farnborough Common

Orpington

BR2 8ND


Employer's website

https://www.kch.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Matron for Stroke

Esiri Ohwovoriole

u.ohwovoriole@nhs.net

01689863718

Details

Date posted

21 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£53,751 to £60,651 a year per annum, including high cost area

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

213-DivisionB-7632532-B

Job locations

Princess Royal University Hospital

Farnborough Common

Orpington

BR2 8ND


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)