Labour Ward Manager

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust; Worthing; On-site; GBP 46,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

University Hospitals Sussex is seeking a Labour Ward Manager to oversee the operational management of the Labour Ward. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in midwifery care, excellent leadership skills, and a commitment to providing high-quality service. This role involves enhancing women's experiences and leading a multi-disciplinary team for optimal delivery of midwifery services.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience as a Band 6 Midwife.
• Leadership and management experience.
• Completion of a leadership course.

Responsibilities

• Provide high standards of midwifery care.
• Lead and support a multi-disciplinary team.
• Manage the operational efficiency of the delivery suite.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Education

Degree level education

Registered Midwife

Job description

View all our vacancies across our hospitals in Sussex. Search, find and apply for a job with us today.

This post is only open to internal applicants.

Labour Ward Manager

Band 7

Main area Midwife Grade Band 7 Contract Permanent Hours

• Full time
• Job share

37.5 hours per week (8-4pm) Job ref 279-7224153-MAY25

Employer 279 University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site St Richards Hospital Town Chichester Salary £46,148 - £52,809 per annum pro rata Salary period Yearly Closing 24/06/2025 23:59

About our Trust

At UHSussex we’re proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK’s largest acute Trusts , we’re a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.

Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal – to always put our Patient First . In fact our mission is summed up by our ‘where better never stops’ motto and you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in ourWellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Job overview

We would love for you to come and join the UH Sussex Maternity Team as a Band 7 Labour ward manager at SRH. The post holder will have overall responsibility for the operational management of the Labour Ward.

With a focus of enhancing women's experience and maximising resources, this position will provide day-to-day operational management of the intrapartum care pathways, ensuring optimal delivery of midwifery and obstetric services.

Please note that if you currently work for another NHS Trust or within UHSussex and are applying to accept this position as a secondment opportunity, before applying you must seek agreement and authorisation from your current Trust/Manager. Secondments can’t be agreed without this approval. If you are unable to gain approval you should refrain from applying unless you wish to take this role as a fixed term position.

Main duties of the job

To provide a high standard of midwifery care and to lead and support a multi-disciplinary team of staff according to University Hospitals Sussex (UHSx) Policies and Standards.

The post holder will be an expert in the assessment, planning and implementation of all areas of Midwifery care for a defined group of women throughout the childbirth continuum. They will work closely with other health professionals aligned to midwifery to ensure continuity of care.

The post holder will have management responsibility for the efficient running of the delivery suite on a shift to shift basis with associated specialist knowledge, supervision and monitoring requirements.

They will coordinate intrapartum care activity within the acute and community setting. The post holder will be required at times to deputise for the clinical lead (intra partum care)

The post holder will work as a part of a team of co-ordinators who will have responsibility for the seamless running of the unit on a 24/7 basis. They will strive to ensure high standards of care are achieved by efficient and effective use of resources, maintaining associated records, utilising clinical audit, research, supervision of practice and teaching.

The post holder will be required to participate in the duties of Manager on-call, involving rostered on-call shifts to support the operational management of SRH & Worthing over a 24 hour period.

Working for our organisation

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop.

We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Communication

• Establish an effective communication strategy within the integrated team/core and medical teams and associated services e.g. PCT’s, Children’s Trust, Health Visitors, GP’s, Social Services to facilitate cohesive working relationships.
• Communicate with a wide range of professional and non-professional people and organisations in difficult circumstances e.g. Initiate Emergency Protection Orders in child protection cases or relocation to a place of safety in cases of domestic violence.
• Discuss implications of care options with mother/parents to enable her/them to make informed decisions using assertiveness, tact, diplomacy and compassion.
• Analyse and evaluate evidence when making complex decisions in the clinical situation e.g child protection, substance misuse and psychiatric issues.
• Communicate sensitively, bad/sad news to families, in situations such as Fetal abnormalities, death and stillbirth.
• Ensure that essential information on the client’s condition and progress is recorded by self and team members appropriately according to NMC guidelines and General Data Protection Rules 2018.
• Encourage others to seek advice and solutions to problems. Encourage solution-based approach.
• Agree the arrangements for communication with the client/family/carer and to document these in accordance with Trust policy and the patient’s right to confidentiality
• Utilise clinical support systems in accordance with Trust policies and guidelines. Ensure that information on the clients’ condition and progress is documented by self and team members appropriately under the General Data Protection Regulations 2018

Service Delivery and Improvement

1. Adhere to and evaluate current policies and procedures and identify the impact they have within their clinical environment and midwifery service

2. Identify outcomes of evaluation and offer constructive views on how the service should change as a result

3. Promote the profession of Midwifery.

4. Embrace the Local Maternity System agenda and support the delivery of plans.

5. Implement and propose changes to policies and practices in the team.

6. Implement Clinical Governance initiatives by acting as a change agent and taking a proactive role in the service development.

7. Work closely with the Governance lead and be actively involved in clinical risk management issues and investigations including DATIX review

8. Take an active role in achieving CNST standards though the implementation and maintenance of identified initiatives/objectives in the service provision by efficient and effective use of Human resources and material management.

9. Attend where applicable meetings and forums eg DATIX, PMRT, labour ward forum, perinatal meetings and other relevant meetings

10. The post holder will be required to participate in the duties of Manager on-call, involving rostered on-call shifts to support the operational management of SRH & Worthing over a 24 hour period.

People Management and Development

• Assess, identify and evaluate own knowledge and practice needs in relation to knowledge and skills required to meet the demand of the role.
• Understand the team member's role and scope of practice. Identify development needs and take responsibility for their continuing professional development and performance.
• Make effective use of appropriate learning opportunities for others.
• Act as a role model and support professional development of all students and junior staff.
• Exercise effective managerial and clinical leadership of the team.
• Support the implementation of induction programmes, preceptorship and PMA input
• Responsible for day to day line management of band 5/6 midwives and maternity care assistants.
• Responsible for day to day supervision, allocation and co-ordination of clinically based teams ensuring adequate cover and skill mix for the 24/7 period.
• Ensure integrated team members attend statutory and mandatory training days.
• Lead in the appraisal process ensuring that personal development plans are consistent with the team and service objectives.
• Communicate clearly with team members and provide them with the opportunities to contribute to the planning and organisation of work.
• Identify, report and address poor performance issues. Escalate to Matrons where necessary
• Alert Matrons to resource issues which affect learning development and performance.
• Diffuse challenging behaviour, ensuring that situations are managed in a sensitive way. Escalate to Matrons/HR and document in staff files if needed
• Deal personally with clients, families and carers in order to aid resolution of complaints.
• Participate in recruitment and retention.
• Implement disciplinary and grievance procedures if required.
• Monitor and manage sickness and absence of staff within the team.
• Hold regular team meetings which are facilitated in an open and honest manner.
• Manage allocation of annual leave in conjunction with Rota Coordinator

Patient Care Delivery

1. As team leader, take overall responsibility for the development and implementation of clinical care packages by team members for mothers and babies.

2. Take full responsibility for assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating Midwifery care consistent with evidence based practice for mothers, babies and families.

3. Discuss options and support parents in making informed choice in their plan of care e.g. Birth plan, pain relief, infant feeding, baby care, return to work and family planning.

4. Discuss options and support parents in making informed choice in the period following birth.

5. Analyse and evaluate the effectiveness of such care, making necessary modifications of any midwifery care pathway and give professional advice and support as required.

6. Act as the clients advocate and empower them to promote their own health and well being.

7. Respect the need for privacy and dignity and obtaining clients informed consent throughout the childbirth continuum.

8. Refer clients to other practitioners e.g. obstetrician, physiotherapist, paediatrician when needs and risks are beyond the post holders scope of practice or require specialist input.

9. Support band 5/6 midwives, Maternity Care Assistants and colleagues to do all of the above

Learning and Development

· Attend mandatory training updates as required.

· Undertake training as necessary in line with the development of the post and as agreed with the line manager as part of the personal development process.

· Achieve and demonstrate agreed standards of personal and professional development within agreed timescales.

· Identify own learning needs and jointly plan training requirements with your line manager

· Participate in the Trust’s appraisal process to discuss how your role will help deliver the best possible care to our patients and help to deliver any changes in service.

Person specification

• Educated to degree level
• Registered Midwife
• Extensive experience as a band 6 midwife
• Leadership and management experience
• Leadership course

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).

Important information for applicants:

A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.

Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.

Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.

Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.

DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check . We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.

Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.

UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications

Further Information

For help with the application process for Nursing vacancies, please email [e-mail].

For help with the application process for Non-Nursing vacancies, please email [e-mail].

Employer certification / accreditation badges

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.