Interim Deputy Chief Nursing Officer

NHS; Bath; On-site; GBP 109,000 - 126,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is seeking a Deputy Chief Nursing Officer for a fixed-term role in Bath. This senior position offers the chance to provide strategic nursing leadership and work closely with executive teams to drive improvements in patient care. Candidates should possess a Master's degree and have recent senior-level NHS experience. The role includes CPD support for career development and requires strong leadership skills.

Benefits

CPD funding for professional growth

Holistic wellbeing programme

Qualifications

• Registered nurse with clinical background and recent experience in acute Trust.
• Demonstrable evidence of ongoing continuous professional development.
• In-depth knowledge of the current NHS agenda and challenges.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality, safe patient care while enabling staff to thrive.
• Shape and implement the Nursing and Midwifery Strategy.
• Develop leadership capacity across nursing and care staff.

Skills

Leadership

Change management

Patient-centred care

Strategic planning

Education

Masters level qualification

Job description

Overview

We have an exciting opportunity for a Deputy Chief Nursing Officer to join our Trust on a one-year fixed-term maternity cover. This senior leadership role offers the chance to provide visible, compassionate, and strategic nursing leadership across clinical, operational, and corporate teams. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your career towards a future Chief Nursing Officer role, with dedicated CPD funding to support your growth. You\'ll work closely with colleagues to drive meaningful improvements that positively impact patients and their families. We\'re looking for someone ambitious and tenacious, with a proven track record of leading change, inspiring teams, and championing patient voices at every level.

This is a unique opportunity to:

• Influence strategic direction
• Champion patient-centred care
• Develop as a future Chief Nursing Officer with CPD support

Secondment arrangements can be considered for the right candidate.

Responsibilities

Delivering high-quality, safe patient care and creating a positive experience for patients while enabling staff to thrive is central to our organisational vision. In this key leadership role, you will work closely with the Chief Nurse to shape and implement the Nursing and Midwifery Strategy. A core focus will be developing leadership capacity across nursing, midwifery, and care staff to drive continuous improvements in quality and safety. You will help ensure our services are recognised as compassionate, patient-centred, and responsive to feedback. You will also collaborate with the Chief Nurse, Chief Medical Officer, and other executive leaders to provide strategic direction for the Trust\'s Quality Improvement Strategy, fostering a culture of excellence in patient care, safety, and experience. Working across organisational boundaries with health and social care partners, you will help deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients.

About us

At the RUH we put people at the heart of what we do, working together as one team to make a difference for our patients, each other, and our community. We value everyone\'s contribution in supporting the exceptional, person-centred care we pride ourselves on. We are proud to be in the top 20 best hospitals to work for in the country. We are committed to creating a compassionate and inclusive environment with staff networks, celebrating successes and listening and learning. Diversity is valued and considered a strength. We support staff development, learning, and innovation to help you thrive. We also emphasise staff wellbeing and offer a holistic wellbeing programme. For more on living and working in Bath and our benefits, see information about Dyson Cancer Centre and our research initiatives.

Details

Date posted: 04 September 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for Change

Band: Band 9

Salary: £109,179 to £125,637 per annum

Contract: Fixed term

Duration: 12 months

Working pattern: Full-time

Reference number: 427-7429936

Job location: Royal United Hospital, Combe Park, Bath, BA1 3NG

Job responsibilities

For more information about this role please refer to the attached job description and person specification.

Person Specification

Qualifications – Essential

• Registered nurse with clinical background and recent experience in acute Trust
• Masters level qualification
• Demonstrable evidence of ongoing continuous professional development

Knowledge – Essential

• Recent experience of working at a senior level in the NHS
• In-depth knowledge of the current NHS agenda and challenges
• Ability to interpret national and local policy drivers and translate them into practice
• Proven ability to manage change within a complex organisation

Desirable

• Experience of developing business cases

Other

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and a DBS check will be required. UK registrations are required to work in the UK. Applications from job seekers who require Skilled Worker sponsorship will be considered alongside all other applications. Guidance on overseas criminal record checks and sponsorship is available in the accompanying documentation.