Forensic Charge Nurse - Kingfisher Ward - Oxford

Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust; Oxford; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Forensic Charge Nurse for a low secure unit, providing personalized care for women with mental health needs. This role involves collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, offering opportunities for professional growth and leadership. The successful candidate will engage in comprehensive assessments, develop care plans, and support junior staff in delivering high-quality care. This is a chance to make a significant impact in a supportive and innovative environment focused on outstanding care and community reintegration.

Benefits

Career Progression

Tailored Training

NHS Discounts

Employee Assistance Programme

Mental Health Support

Staff Accommodation

Support Groups

Annual Leave (27 days plus bank holidays)

Cycle Scheme

Lease Car

Qualifications

• Registered Mental Health Nurse with leadership experience.
• Strong understanding of mental health legislation and safeguarding.

Responsibilities

• Work with a multidisciplinary team to deliver patient care.
• Conduct assessments and manage care plans for patients.
• Supervise junior staff and maintain patient records.

Skills

Registered Mental Health Nurse

Leadership and Management

Communication Skills

Understanding of MHA Legislation

Forensic Mental Health Care

Education

NMC Registration

Job description

Forensic Charge Nurse - Kingfisher Ward - Oxford

Band 6

Main area: Specialised Services | Grade: Band 6 | Contract: Permanent | Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Full time) | Job ref: 267-FS6875437-3A

Site: Littlemore Mental Health Centre | Town: Oxford | Salary: £37,338 - £44,962 plus an RSU allowance of £1,446 per annum | Salary period: Yearly | Closing date: 26/05/2025 23:59

Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust has been rated as Good by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

We are a responsive and innovative Foundation Trust that places our values of Caring, Safe, and Excellent at the heart of everything we do. We take pride in our staff and believe that investing in you is key to achieving our vision of outstanding care delivered by outstanding people.

We collaborate with a wide range of partner organizations to deliver care and support in people's homes and from hospitals and community bases, focusing on providing care as close to home as possible across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Swindon, Wiltshire, Bath, and North East Somerset.

We actively support anti-racism, equality, diversity, and inclusion. If you're excited about this opportunity and meet our values but feel unsure about applying, please get in touch—we're happy to have a conversation.

We are committed to increasing workforce diversity and encourage applications from underrepresented groups, including people with disabilities, men from all socio-economic backgrounds, diverse ethnic backgrounds, and the LGBTQIA+ community.

Good luck, and we look forward to hearing from you.

Job overview

Are you a registered mental health nurse seeking a role where you can help shape the future of forensic services?

We are recruiting a Band 6 Charge Nurse for Kingfisher Ward at Thames House, a 26-bed low secure forensic unit providing ongoing care for women in low security, many with criminal justice experience.

As Charge Nurse, you'll work closely with the Modern Matron, Ward Manager, and Clinical Nurse Lead as part of a multidisciplinary team including nursing, medical, psychology, and occupational therapy staff. You'll develop your practice and support others in their development.

Our service offers evidence-based, personalized care, including therapies and activities supporting recovery and community reintegration. We provide opportunities for professional growth, clinical supervision, and training to shape the future of forensic mental health care. If you're passionate about making a difference and ready for a leadership role, we want to hear from you!

Main duties of the job

1. Work effectively with the multidisciplinary team in planning, delivering, and evaluating care.
2. Engage junior staff and learners in delivering patient care according to care plans.
3. Observe, report, and record changes in patients' physical and mental health, escalating as necessary.
4. Maintain knowledge of legislation, policies, and guidance for mental health care.
5. Provide and supervise physical care to support daily living activities.
6. Act as the 'named nurse' for a group of patients, managing their care plans.
7. Conduct comprehensive assessments, develop care plans within CPA, and consider all aspects of patient needs and wishes.

Please refer to the attached job description for a full list of duties.

Working for our organisation

Oxford Health is a great place to work. To showcase your best self, read our “candidate guide to making an application” and tailor your supporting statement accordingly.

Our services are delivered across community bases, hospitals, clinics, and homes, aiming to provide care close to home. Our vision is that everyone receives: “Outstanding care delivered by an outstanding team”.

Our values are: “Caring, safe, and excellent”.

We offer benefits including career progression, tailored training, annual leave (27 days plus bank holidays, rising to 33), NHS discounts, lease car, cycle scheme, Employee Assistance Programme, mental health support, staff accommodation, and support groups.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Thames House is a 26-bed low secure unit for women with mental illness and/or personality disorder, including high dependency and lower dependency areas. The team includes nurses, doctors, psychologists, social workers, and occupational therapists, providing comprehensive therapeutic programs tailored to individual needs.

The site is within reach of several counties and boasts a diverse staff group. Candidates should have a positive attitude, excellent clinical skills, and leadership qualities. The role involves contributing to care assessments, planning, and treatment, including working a rotating shift pattern to cover 24/7 service.

This role includes an RSU allowance of £1,446 annually. Completion of PEACE Teamwork and related training is mandatory. Applicants outside the UK must have passed OSCE and hold an NMC pin.

Person specification

Experience

• Registered Mental Health Nurse
• Leadership and management experience

Knowledge

• Understanding of MHA legislation and safeguarding policies
• Experience in forensic mental health care

Personal Qualities

• Effective leadership and motivation skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to follow instructions and offer leadership

All new employees undergo thorough induction. Employment is contingent on satisfactory references. We support flexible working and are committed to diversity, equal opportunities, safeguarding, and promoting a positive, inclusive culture. We encourage applications from all sections of the community.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

You must have appropriate UK professional registration. This role is subject to DBS checks and the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

For queries or support, contact Caroline Thomas, Ward Manager, at [e-mail] or 01865 902790.

We welcome your interest, even if you do not meet all criteria—please get in touch to discuss further. Visit the NHS careers website for more roles or contact us for support with your application.