Ward Manager

Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust; Normanby by Spital CP; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an experienced Ward Manager to lead the inpatient wards at Bankfields Court, a specialist learning disability service. The role focuses on visible clinical and operational leadership to ensure safe, person-centred care and a positive culture for patients, families and staff.

The post involves workforce planning, governance, quality improvement and close collaboration with the Service Manager and MDT to drive service improvements and

Qualifications

• Current registration with Nursing & Midwifery Council (RMN/RNMH/RNLD).
• Master's level education in a subject area relevant to practice OR equivalent clinical experience at band 6 or above with significant people management experience.
• Trained in Clinical Supervision and able to provide supervision.
• Recognised Practice Assessor/Practice Supervisor.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day management of the inpatient wards.
• Lead workforce planning and staff development.
• Drive quality improvement and governance across the service.
• Maintain high standards of clinical practice and patient experience.
• Collaborate with Service Manager, Modern Matron and MDT to shape service development.

Skills

Staff leadership

Governance

Quality improvement

Risk assessment

Medicines management

Safeguarding

Education

Master's degree in relevant field

Job description

Go back Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust

Ward Manager

The closing date is 23 November 2026

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Ward Manager to lead our inpatient service at Bankfields Court, a specialist Learning Disability inpatient hospital.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a dedicated staffing team and play a key role in shaping the future of inpatient services. As Ward Manager, you will provide visible clinical and operational leadership, ensure the delivery of safe, effective and person-centred care whilst creating a positive culture for patients, families and staff.

Bankfields Court is a specialist inpatient service providing assessment, treatment and recovery-focused support for adults with learning disabilities and/or autism. We work collaboratively with individuals, families, community teams and partner agencies to promote recovery, enhance quality of life and support discharge planning back into the community.

This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. However, sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements, therefore, we recommend that you assess your eligibility before applying for this position. Visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

Main duties of the job

At Bankfields Court, you will join a passionate team committed to delivering the highest standards of care. The role offers the opportunity to influence service improvements, support workforce development and help shape the future direction of our specialist services.

You will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the wards, including workforce planning, staff development, quality improvement, governance, patient experience and achieving high standards of clinical practice. You will work closely with the Service Manager, Modern Matron and wider MDT to drive innovation, improve outcomes and support the ongoing development of the service.

We are looking for a motivated and inspirational registered nurse who:

• Is passionate about providing high-quality care for people with learning disabilities and/or autism.
• Has significant experience working with individuals with complex needs and behaviours that challenge.
• Has experience of leading and managing teams within an inpatient or complex care setting.
• Can create a positive, compassionate and inclusive culture where staff feel valued and supported.
• Has strong operational leadership, decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Is committed to service improvement, quality, safety and delivering excellent patient outcomes.
• Can develop effective relationships with staff, families, carers and partner organisations.

About us

We are the Mental Health & Learning Disability NHS Trust for County Durham and Darlington, Teesside, North Yorkshire, York and Selby.

From education and prevention, to crisis and specialist care -our talented and compassionate teams work in partnership with our patients, communities and partners to help the people of our region feel safe, understood, believed in and cared for.

We nurture the recovery journey of anyone in need of our help. In Our Trust, everyone has a say in how they are supported and treated because we listen to every person in our care until they feel understood. Our patients, their families and carers work together with us towards better mental health.

We're committed to new thinking that improves the wellbeing of our region. We connect with our communities and partners to get mental health care right, in areas that really need it.

We won't rest until everyone in our region has the mental health care they need, to lead their best possible life.

Person Specification

Qualification

• Current professional registration with Nursing & Midwifery Council (RMN / RNMH / RNLD)
• Be educated to Master's level in a subject area relevant to the area of practice OR.
• Have equivalent clinical experience to that of master's level such as working as a band 6 (or above) in relevant clinical area with significant experience - which also includes significant experience of managing people. (see below under experience), together with evidence of relevant CPD
• Be trained in Clinical Supervision and providing clinical supervision
• Be a Recognised Practice Assessor/Practice Supervisor

Experience

• Significant experience of managing people
• Significant experience working with patients with complex needs in the specialist field
• Significant experience working with patients who display risk behaviours
• Working collaboratively with others (external partners, staff, service users and their families/carers)
• Working knowledge of the legal framework and statutory obligations under the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act and other relevant legislation
• Detailed understanding of Safeguarding and its application in practice
• Risk assessment and management and its application in practice.
• Working knowledge of clinical medicines management
• Developing, maintaining and auditing practice standards
• Evidence of training in Quality Improvement methodology or coaching, and/or using same in quality improvement

Knowledge/Skills/Experience

• Knowledge of current issues relating to health needs of patients in the field of practice, regionally and nationally
• Research methodology
• The Trust's Quality Improvement system (QIS) - or completion of training within agreed timescale
• Governance and its application in practice
• Understanding of psychological models of care and treatment (depending on specialist area)

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.

Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust