Head of Care

LLOYD'S REGISTER INTERNATIONAL; Thatcham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Alexander Devine Children's Hospice Service is seeking an experienced Head of Care to lead operational delivery across community, day, inpatient and education services. You will chair the practice education team and embed a learning culture while ensuring safe, compassionate care.

You will be a Registered Children’s Nurse with significant clinical management experience, leading teams and maintaining governance, quality and collaboration with external partners.

Qualifications

• Registered Children’s Nurse with significant clinical management experience.
• Experience of delivering high-quality care to children with complex needs.
• Knowledge of clinical governance, audit and evidence-based practice.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including conflict management.
• Strong organisational and team-building skills.
• Relevant degree or equivalent with postgraduate study in palliative care, leadership or education.
• Experience in children's palliative care, including end-of-life and post-death care.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational management of care provision including community, day, inpatient, education and after-death care.
• Lead and develop Care Team, ensure staffing, skill mix and professional development.
• Contribute to clinical strategy, governance, risk management and CQC compliance.
• Act as Joint Registered Manager and deputise for the Director of Care when required.
• Build relationships with external health and social care professionals and partner organisations.

Skills

Clinical leadership

Motivate teams

Care for children with complex needs

Governance & audit

Communication skills

Organisational leadership

Degree or equivalent

Postgraduate study in palliative care/

Experience in children's palliative ca

safeguarding commitment

Education

Registered Children’s Nurse (RN_child)

Degree or equivalent with postgraduate study in palliative care/leadership/education

Job description

Head of Care

Make a real difference to children and families.

Alexander Devine Children's Hospice Service provides specialist care and support to babies, children and young people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, and their families. Our services extend across Berkshire and into surrounding counties.

We are looking for an experienced and inspirational Head of Care to join our Senior Clinical Team and provide strong operational and clinical leadership across our care services.

This is a key leadership role within the organisation, working closely with the Director of Care and Lead for Quality and Governance to ensure that children and families receive safe, effective and compassionate care.

About the role

As Head of Care, you will have responsibility for the operational management, quality and delivery of our care provision, including community care, day care, inpatient care, education and after-death care.

You will provide visible and supportive leadership to the Care Team, ensuring appropriate staffing, skill mix, competence and professional development. You will also lead our Practice Education Team and help embed a positive, inclusive learning culture across the organisation.

Working as part of the Senior Clinical Team, you will contribute to clinical strategy, governance, risk management, audit, service development and CQC compliance. You will also act as a Joint Registered Manager and deputise for the Director of Care when required.

An important part of the role will be building effective relationships with external health and social care professionals and partner organisations, helping to develop an integrated palliative care model across Berkshire and surrounding areas.

About you

You will be a Registered Children's Nurse (RN Child) with significant clinical management experience and a strong understanding of caring for children and young people with complex health needs.

You will bring:

• Experience of clinical leadership and managing and motivating teams.
• Experience of delivering high-quality care to children and young people with complex needs.
• Knowledge and experience of clinical governance, audit and evidence-based practice.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to manage conflict effectively.
• Strong organisational, leadership and team-building skills.
• A relevant degree or equivalent and postgraduate study, ideally in palliative care, leadership or education.
• Experience of working in children's palliative care, with experience of end-of-life and post-death care desirable.
• A strong commitment to safeguarding, equality, dignity and family-centred care.

Most importantly, you will be enthusiastic, self-motivated and compassionate, with the ability to inspire others and translate our values into everyday practice.

Why join Alexander Devine?

This is an opportunity to take a senior leadership role in a growing children's hospice service where your experience, ideas and leadership will have a direct impact on children and families.

You will join a committed and supportive Senior Clinical Team and have the opportunity to shape the future development of our care services, while helping to develop the skills, confidence and wellbeing of the wider Care Team.

Our values - determined, empowering, valuing others, integrity, nurture and empathy - are at the heart of everything we do.

If you are an experienced children's nurse looking for a challenging and rewarding leadership role where you can make a genuine difference, we would love to hear from you.

This role requires an Enhanced DBS check, including appropriate barred lists, a current full driving licence and satisfactory Occupational Health clearance.

Closing date for applications:

Monday 5th October 2026

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