Job summary
Are you a passionate and experienced paediatric nursing leader ready to shape the future of childrens care? We are seeking a Head of Nursing for Childrens Services to provide strategic and operational leadership across our paediatric and neonatal services.
Main duties of the job
About the role
This is a senior leadership position with responsibility for nursing excellence across:
Inpatient Paediatrics and Neonatal Care
Childrens Outpatient Services
Safeguarding and Family-Centred Care
You will lead a team of matrons, clinical nurse specialists, and advanced practitioners, ensuring safe, compassionate, and developmentally appropriate care for children and young people. A proportion of your time will focus on strategic work, including developing and delivering a Children and Young People Strategy, working with system partners and service users to improve outcomes and experiences.
About us
The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave; a national programme thats changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector.
This means were working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives.
Were a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.
Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Our Way Forward We are implementing a new divisional structure that strengthens accountability, integration, and patient-centred care. This is an exciting time to join us as we embed transformation, break down silos, and create a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. As Head of Nursing for Children’s Services, you will play a key role in shaping this future.
What we’re looking for
- NMC Registered Paediatric Nurse
- Educated to Master’s level or equivalent senior leadership experience
- Significant experience in senior nursing leadership (Band 8a or above)
- Proven track record in children’s nursing across acute and/or community settings
- Strong understanding of paediatric clinical standards, safeguarding, and NHS policy
- A values-driven leader who champions inclusivity, patient experience, and staff wellbeing
Job description
Job responsibilities
Our Way Forward We are implementing a new divisional structure that strengthens accountability, integration, and patient-centred care. This is an exciting time to join us as we embed transformation, break down silos, and create a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. As Head of Nursing for Children’s Services, you will play a key role in shaping this future.
What we’re looking for
- NMC Registered Paediatric Nurse
- Educated to Master’s level or equivalent senior leadership experience
- Significant experience in senior nursing leadership (Band 8a or above)
- Proven track record in children’s nursing across acute and/or community settings
- Strong understanding of paediatric clinical standards, safeguarding, and NHS policy
- A values-driven leader who champions inclusivity, patient experience, and staff wellbeing
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- NMC Registered Paediatric Nurse
- Educated to Masters level or equivalent senior leadership experience
- Evidence of ongoing professional development in leadership, management, or clinical practice
Desirable
- Completion of NHS Leadership Academy programme or equivalent (e.g. Mary Seacole, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson)
- Qualification in coaching, mentoring, or change management
Experience
Essential
- Significant experience in a senior nursing or midwifery leadership role (Band 8a or above)
- Significant experience in childrens nursing across acute and/or community settings
- Proven track record of leading service improvement, transformation, and innovation
Desirable
- Experience of contributing to research, quality improvement, or academic programmes
- Experience of leading transformation or initiatives
- Experience of developing or implementing children and young people strategies
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- NMC Registered Paediatric Nurse
- Educated to Masters level or equivalent senior leadership experience
- Evidence of ongoing professional development in leadership, management, or clinical practice
Desirable
- Completion of NHS Leadership Academy programme or equivalent (e.g. Mary Seacole, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson)
- Qualification in coaching, mentoring, or change management
Experience
Essential
- Significant experience in a senior nursing or midwifery leadership role (Band 8a or above)
- Significant experience in childrens nursing across acute and/or community settings
- Proven track record of leading service improvement, transformation, and innovation
Desirable
- Experience of contributing to research, quality improvement, or academic programmes
- Experience of leading transformation or initiatives
- Experience of developing or implementing children and young people strategies
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.
