Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Charge Nurse

The closing date is 28 December 2025

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has become available within the Medium Secure Unit at the Hellingly Centre, part of Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. We are seeking a dynamic and highly motivated Band 6 Charge Nurse to join Oak Ward.

Oak Ward is a 15-bedded male admissions MSU, specialising in the assessment and treatment of patients with acute and complex mental health needs. We are a patient-centred service offering a full programme of therapeutic groups and structured leisure activities. As part of the wider Provider Collaborative network, we utilise the Secure Recovery Model to guide patient involvement in their care, using evidence-based strategies to support meaningful participation and progress.

We welcome applications from NMC-registered nurses with relevant MSU experience. You will be joining a supportive and skilled MDT team committed to delivering high-quality care. The successful candidate will provide patient-centred care, take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the ward, and undertake a range of direct clinical duties.

In this role, you will assist the Ward Manager & CNS in leading on clinical and risk management, with a strong focus on relational security, patient choice, collaboration, transparency, and trauma-informed care.

This post offers the Trust's £2,000 Golden Hello or Relocation Incentive for Band 6 Nurses & Practitioners, (pro rata and subject to terms and conditions; please see attached Protocol Document for full details).

Main duties of the job

As a Charge Nurse on a Medium Secure Ward, you will lead the clinical team during shifts, ensuring safe, patient-centred care for individuals with complex mental health needs. You will oversee assessments, care planning, reviews, and therapeutic interventions while contributing to MDT discussions and risk management. A key part of the role is promoting relational security, trauma-informed practice, and a strong recovery focus. You will supervise and support junior staff, ensure legal and governance compliance, manage incidents effectively, and help maintain a high standard of daily ward operations and service improvement.

Work a flexible shift pattern which includes Long Days (07:00 - 19:30) and Nights (19:00 - 07:30) including weekends and bank holidays.

About us

Oak Ward is a 15-bedded medium secure unit for male adults, forming part of a wider forensic pathway that includes 2 other MSU Male Wards, a Female MSU Ward, & an LSU Male Ward. We take pride in being a motivated, responsive, & forward-thinking team, committed to providing the highest standards of care.

By joining us, you'll benefit from

A Supportive & Inclusive Team - Work in a collaborative MDT environment where your voice is valued, & teamwork is at the heart of everything we do.

Career Growth & Development - We invest in our staff with ongoing training, development programs, & career progression opportunities, helping you build a long-term future with us.

Job Satisfaction - Be part of a service that actively encourages patient engagement, rehabilitation, & personal development, allowing you to see the real impact of your work.

Work-Life Balance - We offer rotational shifts, including weekends & bank holidays, ensuring flexibility & a structured working pattern to help maintain a healthy balance.

A Commitment to Excellence - Our ongoing vision is to provide safe, effective, & high-quality care, always putting the needs of our patients first while maintaining safe working practices & clinical leadership to enhance patient experience.

Be part of a team that makes a difference

If you're looking for a meaningful career in an organisation that supports, develops, & values its staff, apply today & be part of a team that makes a difference.

Date posted

12 December 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£38,682 to £46,580 a year Per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

354-FH-20577

Job locations

Hellingly Centre

Hailsham

BN27 4ER

Job description

Job responsibilities

See attached Job Description and Person Specification for full details.

Please apply using the link in this advert, or for more information explore the attachments

We encourage future applicants to arrange informal visits. Come and see our excellent service!

Job description

Job responsibilities

See attached Job Description and Person Specification for full details.

Please apply using the link in this advert, or for more information explore the attachments

We encourage future applicants to arrange informal visits. Come and see our excellent service!

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Professional qualification
Diploma in Mental Health Nursing
Registered Nurse with current registration (mental health / LD/ Adult) appropriate to the job role.
Completion of Mentorship Course/ENB equivalent
Evidence of continuous professional development

Knowledge/Experience

Essential

Significant post qualifying experience relevant to the care group
Experience of working alongside people with severe mental health problems particularly in their acute phase of illness
Experience of supervising staff
Experience of working within a multi-disciplinary team
Experience of conducting clinical assessments including risk assessments
Experience of partnership working within and across various statutory and non statutory teams and agencies
Experience of working within the CPA process
Understanding of clinical governance

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Professional qualification
Diploma in Mental Health Nursing
Registered Nurse with current registration (mental health / LD/ Adult) appropriate to the job role.
Completion of Mentorship Course/ENB equivalent
Evidence of continuous professional development

Knowledge/Experience

Essential

Significant post qualifying experience relevant to the care group
Experience of working alongside people with severe mental health problems particularly in their acute phase of illness
Experience of supervising staff
Experience of working within a multi-disciplinary team
Experience of conducting clinical assessments including risk assessments
Experience of partnership working within and across various statutory and non statutory teams and agencies
Experience of working within the CPA process
Understanding of clinical governance

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).