Clinical Lead

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working options

NHS pension scheme

Generous annual leave

Career development focus

Job summary

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust's Pyrland Ward seeks an experienced Clinical Lead to provide professional leadership within an older adults' mental health inpatient service. You will work with the Ward Manager and multidisciplinary teams to deliver safe, recovery‑focused care and drive continuous improvement.

You will lead on clinical governance, staff development and quality improvement, ensuring high standards of patient care and positive service development within the team.

Qualifications

• Registered Mental Health Nurse with valid NMC registration.
• Experience in older adult mental health inpatient services.
• Experience coordinating clinical activity and leading shifts.
• Experience supervising and developing staff while maintaining professional standards.
• Knowledge of Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act and safeguarding principles.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical leadership to nursing and multidisciplinary teams on Pyrland Ward.
• Lead delivery of high‑quality, patient‑centred care and treatment.
• Support Ward Manager in day‑to‑day operations and staff development.
• Oversee care planning, risk assessments, discharge planning and pathways.
• Ensure compliance with legislation, governance and professional standards.
• Lead quality improvement initiatives and audit activities.
• Promote the Trust values of Kindness, Respect and Teamwork.

Skills

Clinical leadership

NMC registration

Staff development

Quality improvement

Audit & governance

Discipline coordination

Risk management

Communication

Mentorship

Decision making

Education

NMC registered RMN

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Clinical Lead to join the team at Pyrland Ward, a specialist older persons' mental health inpatient service. The successful candidate will be a key member of the multidisciplinary team, providing clinical leadership and operational support to ensure the delivery of high-quality, recovery-focused care. Working closely with the Ward Manager and Deputy Ward Manager, you will be responsible for coordinating and maintaining excellent standards of patient care, supporting staff development, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement, clinical governance and teamwork. This is an excellent opportunity for a registered mental health professional who is passionate about delivering exceptional care, leading teams and supporting service development within older persons' mental health services.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical leadership and support to nursing and multidisciplinary teams across the ward.
• Lead and coordinate the delivery of high-quality, patient‑centred care and treatment.
• Support the Ward Manager and Deputy Ward Manager in the day‑to‑day management of the ward.
• Oversee patient care planning, risk assessments, discharge planning and care pathway coordination.
• Ensure compliance with the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act and relevant professional standards.
• Supervise, support and develop junior staff through clinical supervision, appraisal and personal development planning.
• Lead on quality improvement, audit, clinical governance and evidence‑based practice initiatives.
• Act as a role model, promoting the Trust values of Kindness, Respect and Teamwork.

As Clinical Lead, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the delivery of safe, effective and compassionate care to older adults receiving inpatient mental health treatment. You will work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to coordinate care, support recovery and maintain high clinical standards across the service.

You will provide professional leadership to nursing staff, supporting workforce development through supervision, appraisal, mentoring and educational opportunities. The post holder will help drive service improvement, champion evidence‑based practice and contribute to the ongoing development of clinical quality standards.

Qualifications

Qualification or additional training relevant to dementia care, older adult mental health, quality improvement, or clinical leadership.

The successful candidate will be a registered mental health professional with strong leadership skills, experience of working within mental health services and a sound understanding of relevant legislation, including the Mental Health Act. You will possess excellent communication and organisational skills, be committed to delivering outstanding patient care and have the ability to inspire, motivate and support others.

• Registered Mental Health Nurse (RMN) with current NMC registration.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development. Mentorship, practice supervision, or equivalent experience supporting learners and staff development.
• Experience working within a mental health inpatient setting. Experience coordinating clinical activity and leading shifts. Experience supervising, supporting and developing staff. Experience managing clinical risk, safeguarding concerns and complex patient needs. Experience working within a multidisciplinary team. Experience addressing poor practice and maintaining professional standards. Experience of communicating effectively with patients, carers, colleagues and external agencies.
• Post‑registration experience within older adult mental health services. Experience working with patients with dementia, delirium and other organic mental health disorders. Experience leading or contributing to quality improvement initiatives. Experience participating in incident investigations and embedding learning into practice. Experience undertaking audits and using findings to improve service quality.
• Demonstrates a commitment to maintaining high standards of care and clinical practice. Ability to lead by example and act as a positive role model. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to motivate, inspire and engage staff. Ability to hold staff accountable and challenge poor practice in a constructive manner. Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills. Able to build and maintain effective working relationships within the multidisciplinary team. Demonstrates resilience and professionalism when working under pressure. Sound knowledge of the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act and safeguarding principles. Ability to make sound clinical decisions in complex situations. Commitment to person‑centred, compassionate care. Ability to support a positive ward culture and foster effective teamwork.
• Understanding of quality improvement methodologies and audit processes. Knowledge of current best practice in dementia and older adult mental health care. Ability to use clinical data, audits and patient feedback to improve standards of care. Experience supporting service development and change management. Commitment to promoting staff wellbeing and continuous learning.

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we’re committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London. The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it’s a great place to build both your career and your future. Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Pyrland Ward provides specialist assessment and treatment for older people with mental health needs, including acute functional mental illness and dementia‑related conditions. The service offers a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference to patients and their families while working as part of a supportive and experienced team.

Benefits

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long‑term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you’ll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS‑specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.