Head of Nursing - Children's services

NHS; Harlow; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional healthcare provider is seeking a passionate Head of Nursing for Children’s Services to lead and shape the future of children's care. This senior leadership role involves strategic development and operational management across outpatient and inpatient paediatric services. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in children's nursing, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to inclusivity and staff wellbeing. Join us to make a real difference in children's healthcare in West Essex.

Benefits

Development opportunities

Flexible working

Focus on wellbeing

Qualifications

• NMC Registered Paediatric Nurse required.
• Master's degree or equivalent leadership experience is essential.
• Proven senior nursing leadership experience at Band 8a or above.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership across paediatric and neonatal services.
• Develop a Children and Young People Strategy.
• Ensure safe, compassionate care for children.

Skills

NMC Registered Paediatric Nurse

Leadership in nursing

Childcare understanding

Safeguarding knowledge

Education

Educated to Master's level

Tools

NHS Leadership Academy training

Job description

Head of Nursing – Children’s Services

Are you a passionate and experienced paediatric nursing leader ready to shape the future of children’s care? We are seeking a Head of Nursing for Children’s Services to provide strategic and operational leadership across our paediatric and neonatal services.

Main duties of the job

About the role: This is a senior leadership position with responsibility for nursing excellence across: Inpatient Paediatrics and Neonatal Care; Children’s Outpatient Services; Safeguarding and Family-Centred Care. You will lead a team of matrons, clinical nurse specialists, and advanced practitioners, ensuring safe, compassionate, and developmentally appropriate care for children and young people. A proportion of your time will focus on strategic work, including developing and delivering a Children and Young People Strategy, working with system partners and service users to improve outcomes and experiences.

About us

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high‑quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave; a national programme that’s changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined‑up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector. This means we’re working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives. We’re a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.

Job responsibilities

The Way Forward We are implementing a new divisional structure that strengthens accountability, integration, and patient‑centred care. This is an exciting time to join us as we embed transformation, break down silos, and create a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. As Head of Nursing for Children’s Services, you will play a key role in shaping this future.

What we’re looking for

• NMC Registered Paediatric Nurse
• Educated to Master’s level or equivalent senior leadership experience
• Significant experience in senior nursing leadership (Band 8a or above)
• Proven track record in children’s nursing across acute and/or community settings
• Strong understanding of paediatric clinical standards, safeguarding, and NHS policy
• A values‑driven leader who champions inclusivity, patient experience, and staff wellbeing

Qualifications

• NMC Registered Paediatric Nurse
• Educated to Masters level or equivalent senior leadership experience
• Evidence of ongoing professional development in leadership, management, or clinical practice
• Completion of NHS Leadership Academy programme or equivalent (e.g. Mary Seacole, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson)
• Qualification in coaching, mentoring, or change management

Experience

• Significant experience in a senior nursing or midwifery leadership role (Band 8a or above)
• Significant experience in children’s nursing across acute and/or community settings
• Proven track record of leading service improvement, transformation, and innovationExperience of contributing to research, quality improvement, or academic programmes
• Experience of leading transformation or initiatives
• Experience of developing or implementing children and young people strategies

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.

Employer name

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust