Job summary
We are looking for a new Chief Nurse, a central role underpinning our capabilities to deliver on our visions and ambitions as we enter the next phase in the development of our Trust moving towards a Clinically Led Model of leadership across all our places and teams.
We want to improve the lives of patients, families and carers, across all our communities. And all our colleagues and volunteers within the NCA family - because we know that improving lives means supporting our People to be healthy and happy in their profession. Our long-term plan - Vision 10, combines years of listening, feedback and insight from our People, our Populations and our Partners across our health and care services and learning from NHS organisations beyond our own. We want to challenge inequalities and improve health in all our Places.
To be considered for this exciting role, please upload your CV and a covering letter via the 'Supporting Information' section of the application form.
The assessment process will take place on the following dates:-
Stakeholder panel - 24th November 2025
Interview - 25th November 2025
Main duties of the job
We are looking for an experienced individual to be the Chief Nurse of one of the biggest and busiest NHS trusts in the country. The post-holder is responsible for providing visible and transformational clinical and professional leadership of nursing, midwifery and allied health professional staff.
The role has executive accountability for patient experience and will be expected to work closely with the Chief Medical Officer in relation to patient safety and clinical effectiveness, as well as being the executive professional lead for maternity and children's services.
As an experienced Chief Nursing Officer, you will be ready to bring your passion and energy to our fantastic organisation. Working across systems, leading change and being able to demonstrate your ability to take teams with you in challenging circumstances. Most of all you will bring your confidence, kindness, integrity and flexibility, role modelling the values and behaviours we want to see across the organisation.
About us
Formally established in 2021, the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust (NCA) is one of the largest and most respected NHS providers in England, employing around 20,000 staff and serving a diverse population of 1 million people across the North part of Greater Manchester.
As a large NHS trust we are committed to enhancing the health of our local population by delivering consistently high standards of care and working closely with local authorities and key partners. We believe in our power and potential to make a difference and we're always looking for people who demonstrate our three core values - care, appreciate and inspire - to join our team.
In return, we can offer you a job role with purpose and flexibility. The size and scale of the NCA means we can provide more challenge and opportunities so your career can always be moving in the right direction. By joining us you can also access a competitive benefits package, including, a fantastic annual leave allowance, flexible working opportunities and protected hours for health and wellbeing activities, helping you to achieve more personal downtime and a better work-life balance.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To read more information about the advertised role, and the main job duties/responsibilities please open the Job Description and Person Specification located under the supporting documents heading. You can also read more information about working at the Northern Care Alliance by visiting our careers website: www.careers.northerncarealliance.nhs.uk
Job description
Job responsibilities
To read more information about the advertised role, and the main job duties/responsibilities please open the Job Description and Person Specification located under the supporting documents heading. You can also read more information about working at the Northern Care Alliance by visiting our careers website: www.careers.northerncarealliance.nhs.uk
Person Specification
Registration
Essential
- Registered Nurse or Midwife
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to Master's level or equivalent experience with CPD
- Evidence of focus on continuing personal development
Experience
Essential
- A proven track record of Nursing, Midwifery/Deputy Director/Associate Director leadership underpinned by an understanding of the NHS and its relationships
- Recognised leader with influence and personal credibility that extends across the public sector
- Experience of operating as a system leader
- High level of managerial competency with the ability to lead and manage change in a complex and dynamic environment
- Experience of leading improvement programmes
- Experience in establishing a clear strategic vision and direction and translating this into successful outcomes for staff and patients
- Track record of defining and delivering clinical strategies
- Experience of improvement patient safety and creating a culture of learning and improvement
- Experience of supporting Nurses, Midwives and AHP concerns about conduct or capability
- Demonstrable experience and commitment to Equality, Equity and Inclusion
Person Specification
Registration
Essential
- Registered Nurse or Midwife
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to Master's level or equivalent experience with CPD
- Evidence of focus on continuing personal development
Experience
Essential
- A proven track record of Nursing, Midwifery/Deputy Director/Associate Director leadership underpinned by an understanding of the NHS and its relationships
- Recognised leader with influence and personal credibility that extends across the public sector
- Experience of operating as a system leader
- High level of managerial competency with the ability to lead and manage change in a complex and dynamic environment
- Experience of leading improvement programmes
- Experience in establishing a clear strategic vision and direction and translating this into successful outcomes for staff and patients
- Track record of defining and delivering clinical strategies
- Experience of improvement patient safety and creating a culture of learning and improvement
- Experience of supporting Nurses, Midwives and AHP concerns about conduct or capability
- Demonstrable experience and commitment to Equality, Equity and Inclusion
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.
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.
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).