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University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Deputy Ward Sister/Charge Nurse

The closing date is 09 April 2026

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Job summary

Are you passionate about your role as a nurse and have a strong drive to provide excellent patient care, and clinically are skilled ? Do you enjoy supporting and developing others ? Ford ward may have an opportunity for you !

We are looking for an enthusiastic , caring , hardworking nurse , with experience in elderly care and dementia to join our dynamic, friendly and highly motivated team as a deputy ward sister . Ford ward is a friendly ward with diverse staff . You will assist in helping to provide high quality care to inpatients with frailty related conditions including dementia , chronic lung disease, parkinsons, heart disease and diabetes. Your role will be supporting the ward sister and be a mentor to junior nurses.

We are a very supportive team, and can offer a good orientation and will be happy to give you guidance for future development .

Successful candidates are expected to lead the nursing team and deputise for the ward manager. Have strong communication skills with the multidisciplinary team , and also ensure that safety and quality is maintained for patients , their families and staff. This will be achieved by supporting the team with skill and enthusiasm .

Please note that if you currently work for another NHS Trust or UHSussex and you are applying to accept this position as a secondment opportunity, before applying you must seek agreement and authorisation from your current Trust/Manager. Secondments can't be agreed without this approval. If you are unable to gain approval you should refrain from applying unless you wish to take this role as a fixed term position.

Main duties of the job

You will need to demonstrate a keen interest in elderly care and and caring for those with frailty needs as well as dementia and other medical conditions such as heart disease, respiratory disease, parkinsons disease, and diabetes.

The applicant will need experience of complex discharge planning, and will require good communication skills to be able to confidently liaise with our extended multidisciplinary team, and have the ability to engage with our visitors, loved ones and families.

As a senior nurse you will need to be supportive and resilient in challenging situations.We have an inclusive team culture and value innovative and creative thinking.

You will be responsible for leading the team in the absence of the ward sister, supporting with staff management, audit and ward development projects. You will also support the ward sister in reviewing complaints and governance issues, promoting a positive safety culture.

In return we can offer you development opportunities and external learning opportunities.

About us

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer abuddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

Candidate Information Pack: https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/resources/candidate-information-pack/

This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route however sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds (£25000), and any role-specific criteria.

Details

Date posted

26 March 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£38,682 to £46,580 a year per annum pro rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

279-7859688-MAR26

Job locations

ST RICHARDS

SPITALFIELD LANE

Chichester

PO19 6SE


Job description

Job responsibilities

The Deputy Ward Sister/Charge Nurse will support the Ward Sister with leading the ward team. In conjunction with the ward sister, he/she will be responsible for promoting an environment conducive to individual and team development to ensure the delivery of high standards of patient care in line with clinical governance, and infection control . The role also requires audit completion, and supporting junior nurses , helping them to develop within their role, and leading as a good role model to other staff. He/she will also have the responsibility for the effective management of the ward in the absence of the ward sister, including leading board rounds and holding safety huddles daily . A knowledge of complex discharge planning will be necessary to facilitate smooth discharges , and the ability to work under pressure maintaining flow within the ward.

The Ford ward team work closely together to optimise patient care and rehabilitation. The wards philosophy is to look after our patients with skill, kindness and compassion, and to provide our staff with a strong team support network in which they can achieve, and develop, and gain a variety of skills and abilities. Previous experience in caring for the elderly with confusion and dementia would be advantageous in this role.

Informal visits are very welcome.

Please see Job Description and Person Specification for full details.

Job description

Job responsibilities

The Deputy Ward Sister/Charge Nurse will support the Ward Sister with leading the ward team. In conjunction with the ward sister, he/she will be responsible for promoting an environment conducive to individual and team development to ensure the delivery of high standards of patient care in line with clinical governance, and infection control . The role also requires audit completion, and supporting junior nurses , helping them to develop within their role, and leading as a good role model to other staff. He/she will also have the responsibility for the effective management of the ward in the absence of the ward sister, including leading board rounds and holding safety huddles daily . A knowledge of complex discharge planning will be necessary to facilitate smooth discharges , and the ability to work under pressure maintaining flow within the ward.

The Ford ward team work closely together to optimise patient care and rehabilitation. The wards philosophy is to look after our patients with skill, kindness and compassion, and to provide our staff with a strong team support network in which they can achieve, and develop, and gain a variety of skills and abilities. Previous experience in caring for the elderly with confusion and dementia would be advantageous in this role.

Informal visits are very welcome.

Please see Job Description and Person Specification for full details.

Person Specification

Experience/Qualifications

Essential

  • UK nursing registration NMC PIN
  • ENB 998 / Mentorship or equivalent
  • Educated to Diploma level education in relevant subject or equivalent
  • Significant NHS experience as band 5
  • Understanding of budget management and finance
  • Educated to Diploma level education in relevant subject

Desirable

  • NVQ Assessor
  • ILS provider
  • Leadership course or equivalent

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Essential

  • Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
  • Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role)
Person Specification

Experience/Qualifications

Essential

  • UK nursing registration NMC PIN
  • ENB 998 / Mentorship or equivalent
  • Educated to Diploma level education in relevant subject or equivalent
  • Significant NHS experience as band 5
  • Understanding of budget management and finance
  • Educated to Diploma level education in relevant subject

Desirable

  • NVQ Assessor
  • ILS provider
  • Leadership course or equivalent

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Essential

  • Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
  • Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role)

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).

Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Address

ST RICHARDS

SPITALFIELD LANE

Chichester

PO19 6SE


Employer's website

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

Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

Address

ST RICHARDS

SPITALFIELD LANE

Chichester

PO19 6SE


Employer's website

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

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Ward Sister

jenner lally

JENNER.LALLY@NHS.NET

01243788122

Details

Date posted

26 March 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£38,682 to £46,580 a year per annum pro rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

279-7859688-MAR26

Job locations

ST RICHARDS

SPITALFIELD LANE

Chichester

PO19 6SE


Supporting documents

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