Group Deputy Chief Nurse

Isle of Wight NHS Trust; Portsmouth; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider in the United Kingdom is looking for a Group Deputy Chief Nurse to join their leadership team. The role involves leading quality strategy development, supporting patient safety, and providing professional leadership across multiple sites. Ideal candidates will have extensive NHS experience, strong leadership, and a commitment to quality care. The position offers a unique opportunity to positively impact healthcare services in the region.

Qualifications

• Professional knowledge acquired through degree and specialist training.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• Membership in a professional body.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of corporate Quality Strategy.
• Champion patient safety and equality.
• Support the Chief Nurse in governance and planning.

Skills

Complex problem-solving

Leadership skills

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Understanding of clinical governance

Education

Degree in Nursing or related field

Postgraduate qualification (e.g., MSC)

Job description

Are you an inspiring senior nurse leader ready to make a difference across two dynamic NHS organisations?

We are delighted to offer an exciting opportunity to join Isle of Wight NHS Trust (IWT) and Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust (PHU) as Group Deputy Chief Nurse. This pivotal role supports the Chief Nurse and Executive Team in leading the delivery of high-quality, safe, and compassionate care across both Trusts.

IWT and PHU have a strong and growing strategic partnership, with a shared vision of Working together to deliver excellence in care for our patients and communities. Together, we serve a diverse population of over 800,000 people across Portsmouth, South East Hampshire, and the Isle of Wight. Our partnership enables us to deliver sustainable services, drive innovation, and create attractive places to work.

Main duties of the job

As Group Deputy Chief Nurse, you will:

• Lead the development and implementation of our corporate Quality Strategy.
• Champion patient safety, safeguarding, equality, and diversity.
• Provide visible, professional leadership to nurses, midwives, AHPs, and clinical teams across both Trusts.
• Support the Chief Nurse in strategic planning, governance, and transformation programmes.
• Represent the Trusts regionally and nationally, shaping policy and service design.

About us

Working as a partnership, both Isle of Wight NHS Trust (IWT) and Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust (PHU) have a shared vision for excellence in care for our patients and communities; with a set of strategic aims underpinning how we will achieve this.

The single corporate service is delivered across both organisation. You may be based at either IWT or PHU and individuals may be required to undertake business travel between sites. For leaders managing staff across multi-site locations, you will need to be visible and provide in person leadership. The arrangements and frequency will be agreed locally.

Job responsibilities

We are seeking a credible, compassionate, and motivated senior nurse with a proven track record in clinical leadership, quality improvement, and strategic delivery. You will bring expertise in patient safety, safeguarding, and governance, and be passionate about developing professional identity and leadership across our workforce.

This is a unique opportunity to work across two organisations rated Good by the CQC, each with distinct strengths and challenges. You will be part of a supportive leadership team committed to continuous improvement and professional development.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

For further details, including the full job description, please see enclosed candidate brief.

To arrange an informal call regarding the role, please contact Leah Cordery, Executive Assistant to Hayley Peters, Chief Nurse IWT & PHUvia email - [e-mail]

The closing date for applications is Sunday 7th December.

Person Specification

Skills and Knowledge

• Judgments involving complex facts or situations, which require the analysis, interpretation and comparison of a range of options
• Exercise expert reasoning and professional judgment to resolve complex problems including areas such as procurement and management support, service delivery and supporting arrangements
• Highly developed leadership skills
• Ability to quickly establish effective working relationships and develop strong team working
• Detailed knowledge and understanding of clinical and corporate governance and risk management systems and processes
• Highly developed interpersonal and facilitation skills, with ability to gain and maintain credibility with senior clinicians
• Highly effective presentation skills and the ability to present well-reasoned and structured argument orally and in writing
• Highly developed analytical skills
• Proficiency in the use of ICT applications to support efficient work activity, including the analysis, interpretation and presentation of complex data
• Ability to manage priorities in order to meet specific deadlines
• Ability to hold direct and non-direct reports to account
• Detailed knowledge of Clinical Quality and Safety methodologies
• Detailed knowledge of Clinical and Corporate Governance frameworks, legislation and best practice

Qualifications

• Professional knowledge acquired through degree, supplemented by specialist training to doctorate or equivalent level
• Post graduate qualification e.g. MSC or the equivalent applied post-graduation management learning relating to a number of disciplines
• Membership of a clinical and/or management professional body
• Evidence of continuing professional development

Experience

• Previous successful management experience, at a senior level
• Proven successful track record in:
• Leading and sustaining transformational change within a complex organisation
• Developing and translating business strategy into operational delivery
• Managing operating budgets and delivering financial surplus
• Leading and performance-managing teams and individuals
• Extensive senior management experience within the NHS

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.