Charge Nurse

Sussex Partnership Nhs Foundation Trust; Hailsham; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading health service provider in the UK is seeking a dynamic Band 6 Charge Nurse to join Oak Ward, specializing in complex mental health care. Responsibilities include providing patient-centred care, overseeing assessments, and supporting a collaborative team. Candidates should possess a Diploma in Mental Health Nursing and have relevant supervisory experience. This role offers a supportive environment with clear career growth and development opportunities, reflecting the organisation's commitment to high-quality care.

Benefits

Supportive & inclusive team

Career growth & development

Job satisfaction

Work-life balance

Commitment to excellence

Qualifications

• Professional qualification in nursing.
• Significant experience working with severe mental health problems.
• Experience in supervising staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide patient-centred care and lead the clinical team.
• Oversee care planning and risk management.
• Support and supervise junior staff.

Skills

Patient-centred care

Clinical leadership

Risk management

Team collaboration

Mentorship

Education

Diploma in Mental Health Nursing

Registered Nurse with current UK registration

Completion of Mentorship Course

Job description

We’re looking for people who share our values of compassion, accountability and optimism to help us provide high‑quality care for patients, carers, families and communities. We specialise in NHS mental health and learning disability services and we’re proud to make a difference every day.

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, a 15‑bed male admissions MSU that specialises in the assessment and treatment of patients with acute and complex mental health needs.

Role Overview

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 and CNS in leading on clinical and risk management, with a strong focus on relational security, patient choice, collaboration, transparency and trauma‑informed care.

Responsibilities

• Lead the clinical team during shifts, ensuring safe and patient‑centred care for individuals with complex mental health needs.
• Oversee assessments, care planning, reviews and therapeutic interventions while contributing to multidisciplinary team discussions and risk management.
• Promote relational security, trauma‑informed practice and a strong recovery focus.
• 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 Oak Ward

Oak Ward is a 15‑bed medium secure unit for male adults, forming part of a wider forensic pathway that includes two other male MSU wards, a female MSU ward and an LSU male ward. We take pride in being a motivated, responsive and forward‑thinking team, committed to providing the highest standards of care.

Benefits

• Supportive & inclusive team – work in a collaborative MDT environment where your voice is valued.
• Career growth & development – ongoing training, development programmes and career progression opportunities.
• Job satisfaction – patient engagement, rehabilitation and personal development that allows you to see real impact.
• Work‑life balance – rotational shifts, including weekends and bank holidays, with a structured working pattern to help maintain a healthy balance.
• A commitment to excellence – safe, effective, high‑quality care and 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 and values its staff, apply today and be part of a team that makes a difference.

Qualifications

• 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; 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.
• You must have appropriate UK professional registration.