Lead Cancer Nurse

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire; Coventry; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK healthcare provider seeks a compassionate Lead Cancer Nurse to provide strategic and clinical leadership within its cancer services. The role includes enhancing patient experience, improving clinical outcomes, and overseeing evidence-based cancer care delivery. The candidate should have expertise in cancer pathways, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to continuous improvement in patient care.

Benefits

Access to learning and development opportunities

Working in a renowned teaching Trust

Qualifications

• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• Sound knowledge of national cancer pathways and standards.
• Experience in management and staff development.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical leadership and expert advice.
• Lead implementation of cancer strategies and quality initiatives.
• Oversee delivery of safe, evidence-based cancer care.

Skills

Advanced communication

Leadership and management experience

Clinical expertise in the cancer pathway

Customer service and person-centred care

Education

Master's level qualification or equivalent experience

Job description

We are seeking an experienced, dynamic, and compassionate Lead Cancer Nurse to provide strategic and clinical leadership within our cancer services. This pivotal role will drive the delivery of high‑quality, patient‑centred cancer care, ensuring excellence across the cancer pathway from diagnosis, treatment and living with and beyond cancer diagnosis.

As the Lead Cancer Nurse, you will act as the professional lead for the cancer nurse specialists, working collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to enhance patient experience, improve clinical outcomes, and uphold national standards in cancer care. You’ll be an inspiring and approachable clinical leader with a deep commitment to improving the experience of people affected by cancer. You’ll bring expertise in cancer care and a strong track record of leadership and service improvement.

Responsibilities

• Provide visible clinical leadership and expert advice to nursing and multidisciplinary teams.
• Lead the implementation of national and local cancer strategies, policies, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Oversee the coordination and delivery of safe, evidence‑based cancer care services.
• Develop and mentor cancer nursing staff, promoting a culture of professional growth and excellence.
• Contribute to service development, audit, and research to continuously improve patient outcomes.
• Represent the cancer nursing service at trust‑wide and regional meetings, influencing policy and practice.
• Ensure robust systems are in place for patient safety, governance, and service evaluation.
• Lead in the implementation of environmental sustainability initiatives as part of the UHCW Green Plan, including zero waste to landfill and reducing carbon footprint.
• Submit an immunisation and vaccination report, from either your current UK occupational health provider or your UK GP.

Qualifications

• Advanced communication and influencing skills.
• Evidence of continuing professional development, ideally with a master’s level qualification or equivalent experience.
• Sound knowledge of national cancer pathways, standards, and strategies.
• Leadership and management experience in a clinical setting.
• Experience with customer service and person‑centred care.
• Evidence of clinical expertise in the cancer pathway.
• Experience in management and staff development.
• Strong knowledge of the NHS workforce and recruitment processes.

About Trust

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, rated as good by the Care Quality Commission, is one of the largest teaching Trusts in the UK. We are extremely proud of our employees across our hospital sites, with high quality patient care at the heart of everything we do. Boasting some of the most modern facilities in Western Europe, the Trust is renowned for being at the forefront of research and innovation. The Trust is proud to be recognised as a Pathway to Excellence® designated organisation.

By joining our exciting journey, you will form part of a passionate, talented team and will have access to a wide range of learning and development opportunities. The Trust is committed to building an organisation that makes full use of the talents, skills, experience and different perspectives available in our diverse society. We want everyone to feel respected, valued, can achieve their potential and receive the most appropriate and relevant care. We will create an environment where the equality and human rights principles of fairness, respect, equality, dignity and autonomy are promoted and are part of the organisation's core values. If you are invited to interview, you will undertake a Values‑Based Interview/Assessment, exploring what you do, how, and why you do it.

If you are successful at interview, you will receive a conditional offer of employment and will be required to complete pre‑employment checks, including proof of identity, right to work and either a standard or enhanced DBS check.