Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Senior Sister/Charge Nurse (XR07)

The closing date is 02 February 2026

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our team in Ward J27 Acute Assessment Unit at St. James's hospital.

We are looking for a knowledgeable, committed, and resilient registered Nurse to help lead and maintain our high standards, embed routine, prioritise workload and manage the day-to-day care of our patients on a busy 30 bedded acute medical admission ward.

This challenging opportunity requires a dynamic, self-motivated individual who is dedicated to acute medicine, quality improvement and innovative development.

We are looking for an enthusiastic team member to support the Matron, the nursing, and the medical team to ensure expert high-quality care is delivered and maintained.

This is a permanent position. The successful candidate will need to be a registered adult nurse with a recognised teaching and assessing qualification and have 18 months managerial experience at junior sister level or equivalent. Experience in experience in acute medicine or and acute assessment setting is essential.

Expected Shortlisting Date

05/02/2026

Planned Interview Date

12/02/2026

Main duties of the job

The Jobholder will carry 24 hour continuing responsibility for the effective and efficient management of the department. They will provide professional, clinical, managerial leadership and supervision for the nursing team. The jobholder is responsible for developing and maintaining a department philosophy that has the patient at the centre of compassionate safe and quality care delivery. Through managing the administrative and financial aspects of the ward, the jobholder will ensure cost effective use of resources.

For further information please contact Kay Whitehead (Matron) on kay.whitehead2@nhs.net

About us

Leeds Teaching Hospitals is committed to our process of redeploying 'at risk' members of our existing workforce to new roles. As such, all our job adverts are subject to this policy and we reserve the right to close, delay or remove adverts while this process is completed. If you do experience a delay in the shortlisting stage of the recruitment cycle, please bear with us while this process is completed, and contact the named contact if you have any questions.

Leeds Teaching Hospitals is committed to our process of redeploying 'at risk' members of our existing workforce to new roles. As such, all our job adverts are subject to this policy and we reserve the right to close, delay or remove adverts while this process is completed. If you do experience a delay in the shortlisting stage of the recruitment cycle, please bear with us while this process is completed, and contact the named contact if you have any questions.

Details

Date posted

12 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£47,810 to £54,710 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9298-URG-0144

Job locations

St. James's University Hospital

Beckett Street

Leeds

LS9 7TF


Job description

Job responsibilities

JOB PURPOSE

The Jobholder will carry 24 hour continuing responsibility for the effective and efficient management of the ward/department. Providing management and professional leadership for the nursing team. The jobholder is responsible for ensuring the assessment of care needs and the development, implementation and evaluation of programmes of care are maintained to a high standard. Managing the administrative and financial aspects of the ward. The jobholder will ensure cost effective use of resources. Current services comprise 31 beds, this includes a 31 bedded mixed sex ward. The role requires direct management of approximately 50 whole time equivalent nurses and support staff. The jobholder is also responsible for the ward/department clinical budget.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Qualifications

Registered Nurse (Level 1)

Recognised teaching/assessing qualification

Degree (desirable)

Experience

At least 18 months at Junior Sister level or equivalent

Evidence of managerial development

Clinical audit and standard setting

Service development and or change management (desirable)

Budgetary management experience

Skills

Influencing and negotiation

Communication

Clinical Leadership

Teaching

Management

Recruitment and Selection

Knowledge

Current issues in healthcare

Standards of professional practice

Personal Attributes

Excellent interpersonal skills

Innovator

Motivator

Assertiveness

Flexibility, adaptable, capable of lateral thinking

Ability to manage and identify stress in self and others

THE LEEDS WAY VALUES

Our values are part of what make us different from other trusts, so we see this as a strength, as well as a responsibility. They have been developed by our staff and set out what they see as important to how we work. Our five values are:

Patient-centered

Collaborative

Fair

Accountable

Empowered

CORE VALUES

Commitment to delivering high quality evidence based care

Commitment to working in a multi-disciplinary team

Commitment to the clinical area, valuing the contribution of all team members, encouraging a positive and creative working environment

Commitment to own personal and professional development and to the development of others within the team.

CORE BEHAVIOURS AND SKILLS

Communication skills

Teaching and assessment skills

Preceptorship skills

Organisational skills

Time management skills

Change management skills

Understanding of research based practice research conscious

Team player

Learns from lessons learnt in users complaints

Conflict management

Managing stress

Uses initiative to resolve issues within their own control

Ability to act professionally at all times

CORE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

Understanding of the local and national nursing agenda

Understanding of relevant National Service Frameworks

Awareness of Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust guidelines and policies

Understanding of organisational structures

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Clinical

- Work with Matron to lead the development of ward/department nursing practice, reflecting the CMT and Corporate Nursing business plans

- Provide a clinical lead and role model to the nursing team by delivering high quality care as an expert practitioner

- Set, monitor and seek to continuously improve standards and the quality of patient care, including those standards defined in the National Benchmarks for Essential Care

- Maintain a safe working environment

- Supervise and maintain accurate records using the Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trusts documentation

- Ensure the safe use and efficient management of equipment and supplies

- Promote evidence based practice, wherever possible

- Work with Matron to ensure that clinical governance processes at ward/dept level encompass measures to ensure the quality of the fundamental and essential aspects of care

- Support the implementation of benchmarking using the Essence of care, in line with the Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust approach

- Work with Infection Control to monitor the environment to maintain and raise standards

- Acts in accordance with the Nursing & Midwifery code of conduct

- Ensure management of clinical services and efficient redeployment of staff according to service needs

Education and Training

- Ensure all staff have an individual performance development plan

- Ensure all nursing staff maintain mandatory training requirement

- Ensure implementation of the Trusts Study Leave policy

- Ensure the induction and development of staff

- Promote a positive learning environment within the clinical area

- Maintain detailed and accurate records regarding staff education and attendance management

Leadership

- Provide leadership to the clinical team and working with Matron, develop new roles/ways of working

- Delegate and empower staff without abdicating overall, continuing responsibility

- Line manage the nursing team, including recruitment, performance management and workforce planning

- Supervise staff rostering, ensuring adequate skill mix

- Monitor the use of bank and agency

- Investigate and respond to accidents, complaints, untoward incidents and other significant events

- Work with Matron to promote the development of nurses undertaking the CNO Ten Key Roles as considered appropriate

- Deliver an effective quality service with budgetary constraints

- Deputise for Matron in their absence

HEALTH AND SAFETY/RISK MANAGEMENT

All staff are responsible for working with their colleagues to maintain and improve the quality of services provided to our patients and other service users. This includes complying at all times with the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Policies, including Health and Safety policies, in particular by following agreed safe working procedures, and reporting incidents using the Trust Incident Reporting system.

INFECTION CONTROL

The jobholder must comply at all times with the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Infection Control policies, in particular by practising Universal Infection Control Precautions. Hand hygiene must be performed before and after contact with patients and their environment.

EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY

The jobholder must comply with all policies and procedures designed to ensure equality of employment and that services are delivered in ways that meet the individual needs of patients and their families. No person whether they are staff, patient or visitor should receive less favourable treatment because of their gender, ethnic origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion etc.

PATIENT AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT

The Trust has a statutory duty to involve patients and public in evaluating and planning services. All staff have a responsibility to listen to the views of patients and to contribute to service improvements based on patient feedback.

TRAINING AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The jobholder must take responsibility, in agreement with his/her line manager, for his/her own personal development by ensuring that Continuous Professional Development remains a priority. The job holder will undertake all mandatory training required for the role.

RESPECT FOR PATIENT CONFIDENTIALITY

The job holder should respect patient confidentiality at all times and not divulge patient information unless sanctioned by the requirements of the role.

COMMUNICATION AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Matron

All grades nursing staff

Allied Health Professionals

Medical staff

Facilities staff

Members of Clinical Management Team

Job description

Job responsibilities

JOB PURPOSE

The Jobholder will carry 24 hour continuing responsibility for the effective and efficient management of the ward/department. Providing management and professional leadership for the nursing team. The jobholder is responsible for ensuring the assessment of care needs and the development, implementation and evaluation of programmes of care are maintained to a high standard. Managing the administrative and financial aspects of the ward. The jobholder will ensure cost effective use of resources. Current services comprise 31 beds, this includes a 31 bedded mixed sex ward. The role requires direct management of approximately 50 whole time equivalent nurses and support staff. The jobholder is also responsible for the ward/department clinical budget.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Qualifications

Registered Nurse (Level 1)

Recognised teaching/assessing qualification

Degree (desirable)

Experience

At least 18 months at Junior Sister level or equivalent

Evidence of managerial development

Clinical audit and standard setting

Service development and or change management (desirable)

Budgetary management experience

Skills

Influencing and negotiation

Communication

Clinical Leadership

Teaching

Management

Recruitment and Selection

Knowledge

Current issues in healthcare

Standards of professional practice

Personal Attributes

Excellent interpersonal skills

Innovator

Motivator

Assertiveness

Flexibility, adaptable, capable of lateral thinking

Ability to manage and identify stress in self and others

THE LEEDS WAY VALUES

Our values are part of what make us different from other trusts, so we see this as a strength, as well as a responsibility. They have been developed by our staff and set out what they see as important to how we work. Our five values are:

Patient-centered

Collaborative

Fair

Accountable

Empowered

CORE VALUES

Commitment to delivering high quality evidence based care

Commitment to working in a multi-disciplinary team

Commitment to the clinical area, valuing the contribution of all team members, encouraging a positive and creative working environment

Commitment to own personal and professional development and to the development of others within the team.

CORE BEHAVIOURS AND SKILLS

Communication skills

Teaching and assessment skills

Preceptorship skills

Organisational skills

Time management skills

Change management skills

Understanding of research based practice research conscious

Team player

Learns from lessons learnt in users complaints

Conflict management

Managing stress

Uses initiative to resolve issues within their own control

Ability to act professionally at all times

CORE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

Understanding of the local and national nursing agenda

Understanding of relevant National Service Frameworks

Awareness of Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust guidelines and policies

Understanding of organisational structures

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Clinical

- Work with Matron to lead the development of ward/department nursing practice, reflecting the CMT and Corporate Nursing business plans

- Provide a clinical lead and role model to the nursing team by delivering high quality care as an expert practitioner

- Set, monitor and seek to continuously improve standards and the quality of patient care, including those standards defined in the National Benchmarks for Essential Care

- Maintain a safe working environment

- Supervise and maintain accurate records using the Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trusts documentation

- Ensure the safe use and efficient management of equipment and supplies

- Promote evidence based practice, wherever possible

- Work with Matron to ensure that clinical governance processes at ward/dept level encompass measures to ensure the quality of the fundamental and essential aspects of care

- Support the implementation of benchmarking using the Essence of care, in line with the Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust approach

- Work with Infection Control to monitor the environment to maintain and raise standards

- Acts in accordance with the Nursing & Midwifery code of conduct

- Ensure management of clinical services and efficient redeployment of staff according to service needs

Education and Training

- Ensure all staff have an individual performance development plan

- Ensure all nursing staff maintain mandatory training requirement

- Ensure implementation of the Trusts Study Leave policy

- Ensure the induction and development of staff

- Promote a positive learning environment within the clinical area

- Maintain detailed and accurate records regarding staff education and attendance management

Leadership

- Provide leadership to the clinical team and working with Matron, develop new roles/ways of working

- Delegate and empower staff without abdicating overall, continuing responsibility

- Line manage the nursing team, including recruitment, performance management and workforce planning

- Supervise staff rostering, ensuring adequate skill mix

- Monitor the use of bank and agency

- Investigate and respond to accidents, complaints, untoward incidents and other significant events

- Work with Matron to promote the development of nurses undertaking the CNO Ten Key Roles as considered appropriate

- Deliver an effective quality service with budgetary constraints

- Deputise for Matron in their absence

HEALTH AND SAFETY/RISK MANAGEMENT

All staff are responsible for working with their colleagues to maintain and improve the quality of services provided to our patients and other service users. This includes complying at all times with the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Policies, including Health and Safety policies, in particular by following agreed safe working procedures, and reporting incidents using the Trust Incident Reporting system.

INFECTION CONTROL

The jobholder must comply at all times with the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust Infection Control policies, in particular by practising Universal Infection Control Precautions. Hand hygiene must be performed before and after contact with patients and their environment.

EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY

The jobholder must comply with all policies and procedures designed to ensure equality of employment and that services are delivered in ways that meet the individual needs of patients and their families. No person whether they are staff, patient or visitor should receive less favourable treatment because of their gender, ethnic origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion etc.

PATIENT AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT

The Trust has a statutory duty to involve patients and public in evaluating and planning services. All staff have a responsibility to listen to the views of patients and to contribute to service improvements based on patient feedback.

TRAINING AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The jobholder must take responsibility, in agreement with his/her line manager, for his/her own personal development by ensuring that Continuous Professional Development remains a priority. The job holder will undertake all mandatory training required for the role.

RESPECT FOR PATIENT CONFIDENTIALITY

The job holder should respect patient confidentiality at all times and not divulge patient information unless sanctioned by the requirements of the role.

COMMUNICATION AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Matron

All grades nursing staff

Allied Health Professionals

Medical staff

Facilities staff

Members of Clinical Management Team

Person Specification

Skills & behaviours

Essential

  • Capable of lateral thinking
  • Excellent written and verbal skills
  • Ability to organise and prioritise own and others workload
  • Understanding of skills and knowledge required to lead and develop team members
  • Aware of current issues in healthcare
  • Able to fulfil Occupational Health requirements for the post

Experience

Essential

  • At least 18 months post registration experience at junior sister level or equivalent
  • Experience of managing and leading a team
  • Budget management Audit & Standard setting
  • Evidence of continued professional development
  • Willing to undergo training as necessary

Desirable

  • Service development and/or change management

Qualifications

Essential

  • Registered Nurse (Level 1)
  • Recognised teaching/assessing qualification

Desirable

  • Degree in Nursing or related subject
Person Specification

Skills & behaviours

Essential

  • Capable of lateral thinking
  • Excellent written and verbal skills
  • Ability to organise and prioritise own and others workload
  • Understanding of skills and knowledge required to lead and develop team members
  • Aware of current issues in healthcare
  • Able to fulfil Occupational Health requirements for the post

Experience

Essential

  • At least 18 months post registration experience at junior sister level or equivalent
  • Experience of managing and leading a team
  • Budget management Audit & Standard setting
  • Evidence of continued professional development
  • Willing to undergo training as necessary

Desirable

  • Service development and/or change management

Qualifications

Essential

  • Registered Nurse (Level 1)
  • Recognised teaching/assessing qualification

Desirable

  • Degree in Nursing or related subject

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

Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Address

St. James's University Hospital

Beckett Street

Leeds

LS9 7TF


Employer's website

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


Employer details

Employer name

Leeds Teaching Hospitals

Address

St. James's University Hospital

Beckett Street

Leeds

LS9 7TF


Employer's website

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


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Matron

Kay Whitehead

kay.whitehead2@nhs.net

Details

Date posted

12 January 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£47,810 to £54,710 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Flexible working

Reference number

C9298-URG-0144

Job locations

St. James's University Hospital

Beckett Street

Leeds

LS9 7TF


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

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