Ward Manager

Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust; Oxford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Oxford is seeking an experienced Ward Manager to oversee a secure unit dedicated to women with mental health disorders. You will provide operational leadership, ensuring high-quality care and safety while supporting patient rehabilitation. Ideal candidates will have substantial experience in mental health nursing and strong team management skills, with opportunities for career progression and ongoing professional development.

Benefits

Excellent opportunities for career progression

27 days annual leave, plus bank holidays

NHS Discount

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Experience as a mental health or learning disability nurse.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Strong knowledge of psychiatric and forensic services.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational leadership for the ward.
• Ensure high standards of nursing care.
• Manage the ward clinical team and maintain safety.

Skills

Mental health nursing

Leadership

Multi-disciplinary team working

Education

Registered Nurse (Mental Health)

Job description

Are you an experienced mental health or learning disability nurse looking to take the next step in your career? We are recruiting for Ward Manager to join our team at Thames House, a unit for women with a diagnosis of mental illness and/or personality disorder based at our Littlemore Mental Health Centre in Oxford. This role offers a challenging yet rewarding environment where you can make a real difference. Thames House is a low secure unit supporting women aged 18+ with mental health and forensic risks, aiming for rehabilitation and community reintegration. This role is based on Kestrel Ward, a 10-bedded ward which includes an ICU consisting of 2 beds, a seclusion room, a separate lounge and garden area. You'll be at the heart of our Forensic Mental Health Pathway, providing operational leadership and delivery of high-quality nursing care. You'll maintain a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment for both staff and service users, championing a collaborative approach to care. This role offers the opportunity to influence and shape forensic mental health services, working closely with the Head of Service, Service Manager, and Modern Matron. We offer a supportive working environment with opportunities for continuous learning and career progression. You'll lead and develop a skilled nursing team and contribute to the ongoing improvement of our forensic services. If you are ready to take on this pivotal role and drive positive change, we would love to hear from you!

Responsibilities

• Work as part of a highly skilled and knowledgeable multi‑disciplinary team
• Hold key responsibilities around promoting excellence and effective team working
• Provide leadership and clinical management to the ward team
• Effectively apply your knowledge, skills and experience to oversee and maintain the highest standards of care
• Actively communicate and engage with other professionals (internal and external) as a senior clinical member of the team
• Oversee the co‑ordination and effective management of the ward clinical team within the Secure Psychiatric Service; this includes covering for the unit totalling 10 beds
• Ensure a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment for staff and service users
• Take the least restrictive approach to risk management and emphasise collaboration with the patient
• Ensure that the nursing care in the service is of the highest standard, providing leadership and vision to the nursing team, and ensuring adequate numbers of suitably skilled staff are working effectively
• Oversee security of the unit and all who use it and that policies and procedures are in place and followed
• Enable the strategic development of services across the Thames Valley, managing any necessary changes to the unit and its functioning
• Oversee recruitment, induction and team building of the staff group and the planning and organisation of therapeutic services

Oxford Health is a great place to work and to be able to showcase the best of yourself when making an application. Please read the candidate guide to making an application and ensure your supporting statement is tailored to the role you are applying for and addresses any essential criteria.

As a Trust, we provide physical, mental health and social care for people of all ages across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Swindon, Wiltshire, Bath and North East Somerset. Our services are delivered at community bases, hospitals, clinics and people’s homes, delivering care as close to home as possible. Our vision is that no matter who you are or where you are, you will tell us that you receive: “Outstanding care delivered by an outstanding team”.

Benefits

• Excellent opportunities for career progression
• Individual and Trust wide learning and development
• 27 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days with continuous service
• NHS Discount
• Pension scheme
• Lease car scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Mental Health First Aiders
• Staff accommodation (waiting lists may apply)
• Staff networking and support groups