Ward 21 Ward Manager

Haringey GP Federation; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider in Tees Valley is seeking a motivated Ward Manager for their Paediatric Unit. You will provide leadership to a 15-bed ward, ensuring high standards of family-centred care for young patients. Responsibilities include managing clinical operations, leading a team of nurses, and driving improvements in service delivery. An ideal candidate will have a strong nursing background, leadership experience, and be dedicated to the development of staff. This position offers a competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Registered Children's Nurse with proven experience as a clinical nurse leader.
• Experience managing staff and conducting professional development.
• Knowledge of Clinical Governance Agenda and safeguarding.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team to maintain high standards of patient care on the ward.
• Oversee staffing levels, budgets, and resources effectively.
• Implement new models of care and ensure compliance with safety standards.

Skills

Clinical risk management

Excellent organisational skills

Interpersonal skills

Experience of MDT working

Motivated and Innovative

Education

Degree in Nursing Studies or Health related subject

Registered Children's Nurse

Recognised teaching/assessing qualification

Tools

Clinical governance knowledge

IT skills familiar with EPR

Job description

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Ward 21 Ward Manager

The closing date is 09 February 2026

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced, motivated and compassionate Paediatric Nurse to lead our dynamic team on Ward 21, DMH. Working closely with the Paediatric Matron, you will provide strong clinical and professional leadership, inspiring your team to deliver the highest standards of safe, family‑centred care for babies, children and young people. You’ll play a pivotal role in shaping our service, supporting staff development and fostering a culture where everyone feels valued, supported and empowered to excel.

As Ward Manager you will combine strategic leadership with hands‑on clinical involvement, ensuring visibility on the ward and maintaining your clinical credibility. You will be a role model for our Trust values, demonstrating compassion, respect and excellence in everything you do.

We are proud of our collaborative, multidisciplinary approach and our commitment to providing outstanding care and positive experiences for families. If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and make a real difference to children’s lives, we would love to hear from you.

For any further queries, please contact Alison Crozier, Matron for Paediatrics, on 074 4283 2977.

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will be a qualified Paediatric Nurse with experience at Band 6 or above, possessing specialist clinical expertise, leadership and excellent communication skills. They will manage all aspects of clinical practice and professional standards on a 15‑bed paediatric ward, which also includes a day surgery unit and a Paediatric Assessment Area (PAA), ensuring safe, high‑quality patient care. The role involves overseeing staff performance, development and allocation, as well as managing budgets, resources and the ward environment efficiently. The ward manager will coordinate multidisciplinary teams, promote professional practice and support continuous service improvement. They will support the Matron for Paediatric Services in shaping the future of care delivery, implementing policies and maintaining compliance with organisational and regulatory standards. This position demands strategic planning, problem‑solving and proactive operational management to ensure optimal outcomes for both patients and staff.

Job responsibilities

• Continuing responsibility for the ward‑based nursing service over a 24‑hour period.
• Provide visible, effective and compassionate leadership to the nursing and support team, ensuring a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Manage the operational and clinical delivery of a 15‑bed paediatric ward, day surgery and PAA department, ensuring high standards of patient care and safety.
• Coordinate staffing levels, skill mix and duty rotas to ensure safe and efficient service provision.
• Manage budgets, resources and the ward environment in line with Trust policies and financial procedures.
• Maintain compliance with all professional, organisational and statutory requirements, including safeguarding, infection prevention, medicines management and health and safety.
• Support and mentor nursing staff, facilitating their professional growth, appraisal and continuing development.
• Lead by example in delivering compassionate, family‑centred care and promoting effective communication with patients, families and the wider multidisciplinary team.
• Contribute to service improvement initiatives, audits and quality assurance programmes to enhance care standards and operational efficiency.
• Act as a clinical expert, supporting staff to develop and maintain advanced paediatric nursing skills.
• Work regular clinical shifts to maintain up‑to‑date skills and ensure staff are delivering safe and effective care.
• Assist the Matron for Paediatric Services in strategic planning, policy implementation and service development.
• Ensure a safe, positive and inclusive working environment that supports the wellbeing of both patients and staff.

Leadership and Management

• Provide strong, visible leadership and act as a role model for staff at all times.
• Manage and support nursing and support teams to achieve consistently high standards of care and professionalism.
• Oversee a team of Band 6 Nursing staff, supporting their development in management areas such as recruitment, induction, appraisal and performance management within the ward team.
• Monitor and manage sickness absence, disciplinary matters and staff wellbeing in line with Trust policies.
• Support Band 6 Nursing staff to develop their leadership and management skills, ensuring that their roles and responsibilities align with and support the Ward Manager’s objectives.
• Ensure effective communication across all members of the multidisciplinary team to promote cohesive and collaborative working.

Clinical Responsibilities

• Ensure safe and effective delivery of care within the 15‑bed inpatient ward, day surgery and PAA department.
• Maintain a high standard of evidence‑based paediatric nursing practice.
• Support safe patient flow and effective discharge planning.
• Uphold infection prevention, medicines management and safeguarding standards.
• Maintain accurate documentation and clinical governance compliance.

Quality, Governance and Safety

• Lead on clinical audits, risk assessments and incident reviews, ensuring action plans are implemented and monitored.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and patient safety.
• Participate in CQC inspections and quality reviews.
• Ensure all clinical care complies with Trust and national guidelines.

Education and Development

• Promote ongoing professional development for all staff through mentoring, supervision and training opportunities.
• Support students and new staff members, fostering a learning and supportive environment.
• Maintain your own professional registration and clinical competencies.

Service Development

• Work collaboratively with the Matron for Paediatric Services to develop and implement new models of care.
• Contribute to business planning, service redesign and quality improvement initiatives.
• Support innovation and digital transformation within paediatric care delivery.

CDDFT is committed to delivering safe, effective and compassionate care to children and young people. Our Paediatric Service provides a dynamic and supportive environment, caring for a wide range of acute and elective cases. The 15‑bed ward, day surgery unit and PAA department work closely with theatres, outpatient services and community teams to provide seamless, family‑centred care.

As a Trust, we are passionate about developing our staff and investing in leadership and education. You will have access to ongoing training, development programmes and the opportunity to contribute to service innovation. We value teamwork, professional integrity and the wellbeing of our patients and staff.

Person Specification

Special Skills & Knowledge

• Knowledge and understanding of clinical risk management
• Sound knowledge of national and local networks / guidelines
• Knowledge of Clinical Governance Agenda
• Good interpersonal skills
• Excellent organisational skills
• Experience of developing and delivering training / education to staff
• Audit & report writing
• IT skills familiar with EPR
• NMC Code of Conduct
• Understanding of Safeguarding for children and Young People
• Ability to resolve conflict
• Motivated and Innovative
• Experience of MDT working - linking with outside agencies

Qualifications

• Registered Children’s Nurse
• Degree in Nursing Studies or Health related subject
• Recognised teaching/assessing qualification
• Evidence of ongoing professional development
• Evidence of study relating to management & leadership
• Masters
• EPALS or equivalent

Experience

• Proven experience as a clinical nurse leader
• Experience of managing staff
• Proven ability to work effectively independently and within a team
• Approachable and able to build relationships with a wide variety of colleagues
• Experience of professional development / appraisal facilitation
• Demonstrate ability to make clinical decisions and to develop others in this area
• Budget control management

Special Requirements

• Able to travel across Trust sites to meet the requirements of the post

Statutory Registration

• Current NMC Registered Nurse Child Branch

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.

County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

£47,810 to £54,710 a year, pro rata