Whsct Ward Manager Opmh
Western Health And Social Care Trust
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Job summary
Western Health and Social Care Trust is recruiting a Ward Manager (Band 7) for Ash & Oak Villas and Acorn Centre, Tyrone & Fermanagh Hospital. You will provide senior leadership across three units, drive patient-focused care, and manage budgets and staffing to deliver high-quality services for older people with mental health needs.
The role requires NMC registration, a nursing degree, and substantial post‑registration experience in Mental Health, including Band 6 level, with a flexible and
Qualifications
- Registered Nurse on Part 1 of the live NMC Register (Mental Health Branch).
- Nursing degree with post-registration experience in Mental Health services.
- 5 years post-registration experience with at least 2 years at Band 6 in Mental Health services.
Responsibilities
- Provide leadership across Ash & Oak and Acorn Centre.
- Manage ward operations, bed capacity and budgets to meet service standards.
- Develop yearly objectives and ensure staff involvement and governance compliance.
Skills
Education
Job description
Ward Manager (Band 7)
Older People’s Mental Health Services / Primary Care & Older Peoples
Ash & Oak Villas and Acorn Centre, Tyrone & Fermanagh Hospital
October 2026
- 1. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria.
- 2. Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form. Please note the Trust reserves the right to use any desirable criteria outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet the desirable criteria.
- 3. Proof of qualifications and/or professional registration will be required if an offer of employment is made – if you are unable to provide this, the offer may be withdrawn.
SECTION 1: The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will initially be measured at shortlisting stage although may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form whether or not you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is stated below.
Factor Criteria Method of Assessment Qualifications / Registration / Experience Registered Nurse on Part 1 of the live NMC Register (Mental Health Branch). Have a Nursing Degree AND 3 year’s post‑registration experience within Mental Health services OR Have 5 years post‑registration experience as a Band 5 including 3 years within Mental Health services OR Shortlisting by Application Form.
Have 5 years post‑registration experience which must include a minimum of 2 years at Band 6 in Mental Health services.
Other Hold a current full driving licence which is valid for use in the UK and have access to a car is essential. This criteria will be waived in the case of applicants whose disability prohibits driving but who have access to a form of transport approved by the Trust which will permit them to carry out the duties of the post.
- Effective communicator.
- Budget management.
- Clinical Supervision and Appraisal.
- Clinical & Social Care Governance.
- Risk Management.
Experience in working with Older People at a band 6.
Qualifications: Certificate/diploma/degree in management.
“The successful candidate can expect to be placed at the minimum point of the pay scale, although a higher starting salary, within the range of the pay band may be available if the person appointed has experience relevant & equivalent to the post. If the successful candidate is an existing HSC employee moving to a higher band, AFC Pay on Promotion will apply.”
“Are able to request Flexible Working from the 1st day of their employment. A number of flexible working provisions are offered by all HSC Organisations including Full‑time working, Fixed working patterns, Part‑time working, Flexi‑time, Compressed/elongated hours, Average hours working patterns, Term‑time working, Job‑share or Homeworking for some or all of the working pattern, depending on the role being undertaken. Successful applicants are encouraged to discuss with their manager what Flexible Working provisions may be available in the role they are taking up, prior to commencing employment, to help them achieve a positive Work/Life Balance.”
Successful applicants may be required to attend for a Health Assessment.
Ash and Oak are inpatient units providing admission, assessment, treatment & rehabilitation services for older people with Mental Health problems. Ash is a 10 bedded unit specifically dedicated to addressing the needs of Older People with memory impairment and dementia. Oak is a 10 bedded Unit specifically dedicated to addressing the needs of Older People with Mental Health problems. Both units are served by the Acorn Centre delivering therapeutic interventions. We are looking for a highly motivated individual with excellent leadership and communication skills who will manage all 3 units.
The Ward Manager will give clear direction to the service and create a culture in which staff work together towards the common goal of providing high quality services for older people with mental health problems in line with evidence based practice.
The Ward Manager will work closely with the Head of Service and will assist the reform and modernisation of the service in line with Trust strategy and within the budgetary allocations ensuring optimum utilisation of the resources available, whilst ensuring that service standards and patients’ needs are addressed consistently.
The Ward Manager will assist with the development of mental health services for older people by harmonising existing and new developments and taking forward agreed initiatives outlined in the Trusts Service delivery plan and the directorate’s strategic plan.
Ward Manager
7
Primary Care & Older People’s, Older People’s Mental Health Services
Ash & Oak Villas and Acorn Centre, Tyrone & Fermanagh Hospital
Head of Older People’s Mental Health Services & Lead Nurse
Lead Nurse
Full‑time working, Fixed working patterns, Term‑time working
The Ward Manager will develop close liaison and effective links with hospital and other services including the independent and voluntary sector organisations and promote personal and public involvement including developing opportunities for users, carers and advocates to make comment on services provided. The ward manager will also work in partnership with the community mental health team.
1. Service Delivery
1.1 Ensure wards are in readiness for RQIA unplanned inspections.
1.2 Maintain patient throughput in wards agreeing estimated dates of discharge and minimizing delayed discharges.
1.3 Work closely with medical staff in managing bed capacity and occupancy and reducing length of stay
1.4 Develop and prioritise yearly objectives for the Ward and ensure that staff are involved in their achievement.
1.5 Liaise with all disciplines across the Hospital and Community boundaries ensuring sound communication and effective working arrangements operate at all levels, promoting a seamless service for users including rapid access to inpatient beds when needed and safe discharge arrangements are in place.
1.6 Participate in Management meetings and conduct departmental meetings which should be the focal point for problem solving.
1.7 Ensure information is provided to patients and their family/significant others on the nature of their condition and possible courses of treatment.
1.8 Monitor catering, cleaning, laundry and portering services to ensure a satisfactory service delivery. Liaise with the appropriate service manager as and when required.
1.9 Ensure that the department environment and equipment meet health and safety regulations and that risk management policies are in place.
1.10 Promote Service Development initiatives including evaluation of outcomes on patient care.
1.11 Establish client feedback on service delivery via meetings, questionnaires.
1.12 To ensure a multidisciplinary approach to patient assessments and care provision in line with regional policy guidelines and recommendations.
1.13 To ensure that risk assessments are carried out and policies and procedures are adhered to in accordance with the Vulnerable Adults policy.
1.14 Promote high morale by good personnel practice, working methods, and consistency in approach, thus improving direct patient care.
2. Communication & Information Management
2.1 Communicate effectively with staff and maintain productive working relationships amongst staff and with others
2.2 Report and record all accidents, untoward incidents, sickness and absence, within your area of responsibility, using appropriate processes.
2.3 Deal with and report complaints, in keeping with Trust Policy, and assist with investigations, when necessary.
2.4 Motivate and support professionals involved in sharing and disseminating knowledge and information.
2.5 Ensure that appropriate records including computerised information systems are maintained in accordance with Trust policies.
2.6 Ensure statistical information required by the Trust is returned; this will include entry of computerised data.
2.7 Ensure all staff maintain manual and computerised records to a high standard and that staff conform to data protection act and the HSS guidance for the protection and use of patient and client information.
3. Quality
3.1 Ensure that the needs of patients and their carers are at the core of the way that the Trust delivers services
3.2 Work within the Trust’s governance framework to ensure policies and procedures meet relevant statutory requirements, professional standards, policy guidance and workforce and regulatory requirements.
3.3 Support the Trust in advancing its compliance with Risk Management Controls Assurance Standards and to contribute to improving governance across the organisation.
3.4 Promote a culture of continuous service improvement amongst staff, encouraging their participation and that of service users in reviewing and modernising current services and in service development.
3.5 The Ward Manager will be responsible for the identification of risks and the development of risk management plans in order to promote safety and maintain a secure environment.
3.6 Maintenance, promotion and development of clinical governance standards in line with regional policy, guidelines and recommendations including Bamford Review; Service Framework for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Northern Ireland Dementia Strategy, RQIA standards and Patient Safety initiative.
3.7 To monitor standards of care, evaluate same and direct action to maintain standards at an appropriate level.
3.8 To ensure that the appropriate arrangements are in place for the assessment, planning and implementation of individual programmes of care.
3.9 Implement and maintain the Intergrated Care Planning (ICP) process and documentation ensuring all MDT members contribute to same
3.10 Encourage innovation and new concepts, initiate research to test new ideas, participate in project development initiatives, implement agreed changes in nursing practice.
3.11 Develop written standards of care and conduct departmental audits which allow the effectiveness of care to be evaluated including clinical audits, Infection Prevention and Control audits and Environmental Cleanliness audits.
3.12 Complete and maintain Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s). Highlight and address any non compliance to Head of Service.
3.13 Implement and address RQIA recommendations and complete and follow through Quality Improvement plans (QIP’s)
3.14 Participate in quality assurance initiatives, which promote efficiency and effectiveness and improved patient experience.
3.15 Implement all agreed policies and report on the effectiveness of same.
3.16 Give advice and support and supervision to all staff on clinical matters and give additional support to junior nurses to develop initiative and ensure safe nursing practice.
3.17 Follow current DHSS and NMC guidelines regarding the ordering, storage, administration and recording of medication.
3.18 Ensuring adherence to the Legal requirements of the Mental Health Legislation.
3.19 Keep abreast of changes and developments in Mental Health Policy and mental health nursing and attend in‑service training and courses as required.
3.20 To promote practice within professional codes of conduct/practice, providing an environment where knowledge and expertise are maintained and developed within the scope of professional practice.
3.21 To ensure systems are in place to monitor staff compliance with professional registration requirements and that professional standards and code of practice are observed.
3.22 Record, monitor and investigate accidents/incidents, comply with complaints/compliments system and respond appropriately to issues arising.
4. Financial & Resource Management
4.1 Develop and monitor appropriate controls within scope of responsibility in accordance with the Trust’s Schedule of Delegated Authority.
4.2 Adhere to agreed policies and procedures including standing financial instructions.
4.3 Authorise mileage forms and stock and non‑stock requisitions in accordance with the Schedule of Delegated Authority.
4.4 Ensure that the Trust’s funds are effectively used, that financial commitments represent value for money and comply with standing financial instructions and Trust protocol.
4.5 Manage and monitor service standards, contracts and agreements arising from relationships with internal and external suppliers.
4.6 Promote best practice and value for money through audit, research and the development of evidence based practice.
4.7 Manage and monitor pay and non pay budgets and other resources devolving authority for use of resources appropriately whilst retaining responsibility.
4.8 To ensure that the resources are targeted effectively and managed within budget.
5. People Management
5.1 Establish a supportive, fair and open culture that encourages and enables staff, within your area of responsibility, to meet required performance standards.
5.2 Identify, at least annually through performance appraisal, training and development needs of staff in line with the NHS Knowledge and Skills framework and to carry out the development review process as required.
5.3 Manage the recruitment, induction, training, development, motivation and appraisal of staff to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of services to meet client need.
5.4 Participate in the orientation and induction of new staff and in the development of good interpersonal relationships.
5.5 Encourage good practice and act as a role model, give leadership and support to staff and encourage effective teamwork within your area of responsibility.
5.6 Manage and document grievance and disciplinary matters in keeping with Trust policies.
5.7 Take responsibility for managing and improving attendance of staff in accordance with the Trust’s Managing Attendance Protocol.
5.8 Establish and promote a supportive, fair and open culture that encourages and enables all parts of the team to have clearly aligned goals and objectives, to meet the required performance standards and to achieve continuous improvement in the services they deliver.
5.9 Ensure access to skills and personal development through appropriate training and support.
5.10 Promote a culture of openness and honesty to enable shared learning.
5.11 Encourage and empower others in their team to achieve their goals and reach their full potential through regular supportive conversation and shared decision making.
5.12 Adhere to and promote Trust policy and procedure in all staffing matters, participating as appropriate in a way which underpins Trust values. Ensure all staff are fully aware and adhere to DHSS and Trust policies, e.g., Health & Safety, COSHH, Complaints.
5.13 Supervise the work of the nursing staff allocated to the units, assess and develop skills based on identified needs in line with draft Framework for Mental Health Nurses in N Ireland 2011–16 (Delivering excellence supporting recovery).
5.14 Maintain duty rostering systems which facilitate the most effective uses of staff resources.
5.15 Ensure formal Clinical Supervision methods/systems are in place.
5.16 Take part in teaching pre and postgraduate students and facilitate placements where appropriate.
5.17 Facilitate the placement of students and afford them opportunities to meet their educational objectives.
5.18 Ensure staff are focused on meeting PFA targets including discharge and resettlement targets.
5.19 Monitor staff attendance and take appropriate action at an early stage in accordance with Trust policy.
5.20 Implement the WHSCT Unit’s Disciplinary Rules and Procedures where breaches occur.
5.21 To undertake an analysis of the training needs on an annual basis.
5.22 Participate on disciplinary and grievance panels and other procedures in Accordance with Trust policies.
5.23 Ensure that all staff are involved in planning to meet a changing and developing service.
6. General Management Responsibilities
6.1 The post holder will promote and support effective team working, fostering a culture of openness and transparency. The post holder will ensure that they take all concerns raised with them seriously and act in accordance with ‘Your right to raise a concern (Whistleblowing)’ policy and their professional code of conduct, where applicable.
6.2 To undertake an annual training needs assessment and co-operate with the Clinical Education Centre (CEC) in all matters related to Nurse training.
6.3 Identify gaps in service and provide information to the Head of Services regarding relevant issues, pressures and resource needs.
6.4 Formulate a Health & Safety Policy in keeping with current Health & Safety Legislation for the Trust.
6.5 Ensure compliance with the Trust’s fire policy and liaise with the Fire Officer regarding lectures, fire drills, evacuations, etc.
6.6 Monitor use of supplies/equipment and stock levels within the department, ensuring cost effective use of resources.
6.7 Comply with Trust policy on handling of patients’ property.
General Requirements
The post holder will be required to:
• Ensure the Trust’s policy on equality of opportunity is promoted through his/her own actions and those of any staff for whom he/she has responsibility.
• Co-operate fully with the implementation of the Trust's Health and Safety arrangements, reporting any accidents/incidents/equipment defects to his/her manager, and maintaining a clean, uncluttered and safe environment for patients/clients, members of the public and staff.
• Adhere at all times to all Trust policies/codes of conduct, including for example: Smoke Free policy, IT Security Policy and Code of Conduct, standards of attendance, appearance and behaviour.
• Contribute to ensuring the highest standards of environmental cleanliness within your designated area of work.
• Co-operate fully with regard to Trust policies and procedures relating to infection prevention and control.
• All employees of the WHSCT are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within the WHSCT including patients/clients, corporate and administrative records whether paper-based or electronic and also including emails. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information act 2000 the Environmental Information Regulations 2004, the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Employees are required to be conversant with the WHSCT policy and procedures on records management and to seek advice if in doubt.
• Take responsibility for his/her own ongoing learning and development, in order to maximise his/her potential and continue to meet the demands of the post.
• Represent the Trust’s commitment to providing the highest possible standard of service to patients/clients and members of the public, by treating all those with whom he/she comes into contact in the course of work, in a pleasant, courteous and respectful manner.
• The HSC Code of conduct sets out the standards of conduct expected of all staff in the Western Health & Social Care Trust and presents standards of conduct and behaviours required during and after employment with the Trust.
Professional staff are expected to follow the code of conduct for their own professions as well as this code.
• Staff members are expected to involve patients, clients, carers and the wider community were relevant, in developing, planning and delivering our services in a meaningful and effective way, as part of the Trust’s ongoing commitment to Personal and Public Involvement (PPI).
• Please use the link below to access the PPI standards leaflet for further information.
• http://www.publichealth.hscni.net/sites/default/files/PPI_leaflet.pdf
• Employees must at all times abide by Trust policies and procedures and the terms of their contract of employment. They must conduct themselves with impartiality, integrity, objectivity and honesty and maintain high standards of personal and professional accountability.
• Employees are expected to demonstrate commitment to the Trust by ensuring regular attendance at work and efficient completion of duties.
• Employees must ensure that they comply with any risk management responsibilities specific to their post, and as set out in the Trust’s Risk Management Strategy.
• The Trust is committed to the development and implementation of systems under Integrated Governance to ensure continuous improvement in the quality of services provided. Employees will be expected to co‑operate and work with such systems.
• All information concerning patients and staff must be held in the strictest confidence and may not be divulged to any unauthorized person.
• Employees must ensure that equality and human rights issues are addressed within the post holder’s area of responsibility in accordance with the Trust’s Equality Scheme.
It is a standard condition that all Trust staff may be required to serve at any location within the Trust's area, as needs of the service demand.
October 2026
All staff are expected to display the HSC Values at all times.
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