Ward Manager - Ardleigh Ward | Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

Essex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust; Colchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Colchester is seeking a Ward Manager for Ardleigh Ward, which specializes in female acute mental health care. The successful candidate will manage daily operations and oversee care assessments. The ideal applicant should possess leadership experience as a band 6 nurse and demonstrate strong risk assessment and communication skills. This role offers excellent benefits including flexible working options and a relocation package.

Benefits

27 days holiday plus bank holidays

Excellent pension up to 14.5%

Staff discounts

£8K relocation package

Season ticket loans

Qualifications

• Proven record of leadership skills as a band 6 nurse.
• Ability to oversee assessments and develop care programmes.
• Participation in multidisciplinary team integration.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations of Ardleigh Ward.
• Ensure compliance with CQC standards.
• Drive quality improvements and initiatives.

Skills

Excellent risk assessment skills

Effective communication (written and verbal)

Compassion and understanding

Strong motivation

Understanding of Recovery Model

Experience in Quality Improvement Projects

Training and education participation

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen and we are in the position to recruit a Ward Manager to work on Ardleigh Ward, our female acute ward at The Lakes Mental Health Unit. The successful applicant will be responsible for the daily management of the ward.

The post holder is responsible for overseeing assessments of care needs and the development, implementation and evaluation of programmes of care for clients with mental health needs. Participating in ward meetings, initiating and discussing new methods/models of care and the introduction to research or trials within a designated area. Ensure the environment is maintained to high standards at all times. Ensure all CQC standards are upheld at all times and the information is disseminated to all staff.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be a competent practitioner with a proven record of leadership skills as a band 6 nurse and able to take responsibility for the overseeing assessments of care needs and the development, implementation and evaluation of programmes of care for client requiring treatment.

Key Qualifications

• Excellent risk assessment skills
• Communicate effectively, both written and verbally
• Demonstrate compassion, understanding, commitment, enthusiasm
• Above all be highly motivated
• An understanding of the Recovery Model approach is essential, taking into account the needs of families and carer’s, and become part of an established multidisciplinary team
• Experience of involvement in Quality Improvement Projects
• Active participation will be required in the training and education of learners allocated to the Mental Health Service, and to encourage integration between the Ward Team and the Crisis Resolution Home Treatment Team

Valuing you. Recognising your dedication. At EPUT, we look after you.

Benefits

• Receive supervision and support to help you fulfil your potential
• Join an inclusive EPUT community and connect with others through engagement events and equality or champion networks
• If you need help, we provide mental health and wellbeing services, occupational health advice and counselling
• We run recognition awards to recognise staff's hard work and dedication
• 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years’ service
• Excellent pension of up to14.5% of your pensionable pay
• Staff discounts include Blue Light Card, NHS discount offers, and staff benefits
• £8K relocation package if you move to Essex to join us
• Season ticket loans are interest‑free to cover the cost of travelling to and from work via tram, rail, or bus

Work that wraps around your needs

• Work bank: You can use the opportunity to supplement your income and develop your skills by working bank shifts
• Flexible working: available from day one for most roles
• Job share: Applications for job shares are welcomed

Key strategic responsibilities

1. In liaison with the Consultant Practitioner/Clinical Manager, set objectives for the delivery of care, and the implementation and monitoring
2. Responsible for updating own knowledge and ensuring all Mandatory and Core Practice Training is up to date at all times
3. Ensure full compliance with standards laid out in the Trusts CPA Policy is in place at all times. Upholding the principle for Admission Procedure is undertaken in accordance with CPA and Trust Policy, risk assessed and that discharges are pre‑planned, and that all necessary agencies are informed
4. In line with the Trust’s visions uphold all principles of good ‘customer care’ including members of the public, other professional, patients and colleagues on the ward
5. Act at all times in accordance with:
   • Midwifery and Nursing Council Code of Professional Practice 2015
   • Scope of Professional Practice
   • Standards for Medicines management 2008
   • Guidelines for Records and Record Keeping 2015
   • Revalidation from 2016
6. In liaison with the Consultant Practitioner/Clinical Manager, ensure that Essex Partnership University Foundation NHS Trust Policies and Procedures are communicated, implemented and developed and that all staff are aware of the procedure to obtain all Policies and Procedure via the Trust Intranet web site
7. Inform the Consultant Practitioner on all breaches of nursing professional conduct as required by the NMC code of Professional Practice
8. Work closely with the Executive Nurse in developing nursing practice across the ward

This advert closes on Wednesday 17 Dec 2025