Head of Nursing - Emergency Medicine | Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust; Tunbridge Wells, Maidstone; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS healthcare provider in Tunbridge Wells is seeking a Head of Nursing for the Emergency Medicine Directorate. The successful candidate will ensure high-quality care and nursing practice across the department, promoting excellence in clinical service. Responsibilities include providing leadership to the nursing workforce and fostering a culture of kindness and support. This position offers a flexible working arrangement and various employee benefits. Apply now to contribute to patient-led healthcare.

Benefits

27 days annual leave plus bank holidays

NHS Pension Scheme membership

Blue Light card eligibility

Additional benefits as per Trust documents

Qualifications

• Experienced nursing leader with a record in acute environments.
• Strong understanding of nursing quality and governance.
• Demonstrated ability to foster a supportive culture.

Responsibilities

• Ensure high quality nursing practice in Emergency Medicine.
• Promote excellence in clinical practice.
• Lead and develop staff across Emergency Departments.
• Guarantee safe and person-centred care.

Skills

Nursing leadership

Quality and governance standards

Effective communication

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Staff development and support

Education

Registered Nurse qualification

Job description

Overview

The Medicine and Emergency Care Division is seeking a compassionate, skilled, and experienced nursing leader to take on the role of Head of Nursing for the Emergency Medicine Directorate.

The Head of Nursing will ensure high quality nursing practice and care across the Directorate, whilst promoting excellence in all areas of clinical practice in order to deliver a high quality patient‑led service which is dynamic, proactive and responsive to health needs.

The post holder will report into the Divisional Director of Nursing and Quality and work with the Clinical Director and General Manager as a key member of the Directorate triumvirate. They will have responsibility for quality, governance and professional leadership of the nursing workforce in both Emergency Departments, ensuring the delivery of high quality, safe, effective, harm‑free person‑centred care.

The successful candidate will have the ability to recognise and support the talents of others whilst fostering a culture of kindness and compassion. Your attention to detail and clear passion for delivering an efficient, high quality service will set you apart from the crowd.

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust is one of the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and was named the second‑best Trust to work for in the South East in the 2023 and 2024 NHS Staff Survey.

We are a large acute hospital trust in south‑east England, providing general hospital services and specialist care to around 600,000 residents in West Kent and East Sussex. With a dedicated and diverse team of over 8,000 staff we are proud to offer specialised cancer services to over two million people through the Kent Oncology Centre.

Fordcombe Hospital, near Tunbridge Wells, became part of the Trust in October 2024. Specialising in planned care, it offers two operating theatres, 28 inpatient and day‑care beds, diagnostic services (X‑ray, MRI, CT and endoscopy) and consultation/treatment rooms.

We are a flexible working‑friendly organisation. Whether it’s adjusting your hours or exploring other flexible arrangements, we want to work with you to find the best solution for you, our patients and the Trust.

Responsibilities

Ensure high quality nursing practice and care across the Emergency Medicine Directorate.

Promote excellence in clinical practice to deliver a dynamic, proactive and responsive patient‑led service.

Report to the Divisional Director of Nursing and Quality and collaborate with the Clinical Director and General Manager as part of the Directorate triumvirate.

Provide quality, governance and professional leadership of the nursing workforce in both Emergency Departments.

Guarantee the delivery of safe, effective, harm‑free person‑centred care.

Recognise and support the talents of staff and foster a culture of kindness and compassion.

Qualifications and Experience

Experienced nursing leader with a clear record of managing a nursing workforce in an acute environment.

Strong understanding of quality and governance standards in nursing practice.

Demonstrated ability to lead and develop staff, fostering a supportive and compassionate culture.

Evidence of effective communication and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

Benefits

• At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays (pro‑rated for part‑time staff)
• Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with a 20.6% employer contribution and life assurance benefits
• Blue Light card eligibility
• Additional benefits detailed in the benefits documents provided by the Trust

Application Process

All successful applicants will be required to complete our corporate trust induction once a start date has been agreed.

Following induction, you will attend the Trust’s 2‑week Induction Programme for RNs, NAs, RMs, ODPs and Paramedics. The programme is full‑time and includes supernumerary shifts in the clinical area, classroom‑based sessions and e‑learning. If you have any issues, please email mtw‑[e-mail].

Appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check at Enhanced Level.

This advert closes on Tuesday 23 Dec 2025.