Ashford & St. Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Deputy Sister/Charge Nurse, Robin Ward
The closing date is 01 December 2025
We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Registered Nurse with proven leadership experience to join our dedicated team on Robin/ESAC Ward – a 14‑bed surgical unit caring for both elective and emergency patients, whilst ESAC has 4 trolleys for surgical day cases.
As a Deputy Sister, you will provide clinical and operational leadership on both day and night shifts, supporting the Ward Sister and wider team to deliver safe, high‑quality, and compassionate care. You will act as a role‑model, fostering a positive and inclusive culture that promotes teamwork, professional development, and excellence in patient experience.
At Ashford and St. Peter's NHS Foundation Trust we are proud of our strong team ethos and commitment to continuous improvement. We strive to provide outstanding, evidence‑based care in a safe and supportive environment, with patients always at the heart of everything we do.
In return we offer:
- Access to a comprehensive induction and ongoing training opportunities
- Support for professional and career development
- Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme
- Flexible working options
- NHS discounts and staff benefits
- Access to onsite childcare facilities
If you are passionate about leading by example and delivering exceptional patient care, we would be delighted to receive your application.
Main duties of the job
Clinical & Professional Responsibilities
- Support the Ward manager in leading and supervising a safe, high standard of nursing practice and the delivery of evidence‑based patient care in accordance with the NMC Code of Professional Conduct, the Trust's Strategy for Nursing and Trust/Unit Policies and Procedures.
- Assist the Ward manager in providing and developing good nursing practice ensuring that said practices are in accordance with department and hospital policy.
- Assist in the establishment, monitoring and evaluation of agreed standards of patient care and quality service.
- Determine nursing care priorities, planning the delivery of patient care considering the skill mix of staff.
- Interpret the significance of the patient's clinical observations and records, making decisions and planning in areas affecting patient care; report promptly to medical or appropriate staff any matters which fall outside his/her responsibility.
- Investigate and report on all aspects of patient management, including accidents and complaints, in line with hospital policy.
- Monitor clerical and legal documents completed by ward staff, ensuring they are accurate and legible.
- Establish an effective communication system with patients, their carers, and all staff working in the multidisciplinary team.
- Assist with any appropriate evaluation projects and in the assessment of new equipment and technology.
Job responsibilities
Management Responsibilities
- In conjunction with the ward manager, is responsible for effective organisation of the ward/department.
- Be aware of and adhere to the Shift Leader Responsibilities as per the Trust's Standards for Practice and Care.
- Ensure the safe custody and administration of drugs in accordance with established procedure and the law.
- Ensure safe use of equipment, ascertaining that staff are competent to operate the equipment and that the equipment is in safe working order. Keep a training log complying with Trust and CNST requirements detailing staff trainers and the equipment which individual staff have been trained in and are competent to use.
- Understand the implications of the Health and Safety at Work Act, and maintain a safe environment for patients, visitors and staff according to the hospital's Health and Safety Policy.
- Report and record accidents/incidents and complaints to the Ward Manager, according to the Trust policy and undertake further investigations as directed.
- Be competent in current emergency resuscitation techniques, both in theory and practice.
- Have a working knowledge of the fire regulations and procedures, ensuring appropriate action is taken in response to an emergency.
- In conjunction with the Ward Manager, maintain budgetary control through an efficient and effective use of resources.
- Attend meetings and participate in working parties when required, developing effective links with colleagues for obtaining and giving information.
- Undertake projects and initiate improvements in nursing care and management of the ward/department.
- Take lead responsibility for an area of clinical practice appropriate to the ward environment.
- Work as a Team Leader and Deputise for the Ward Sister/Charge Nurse within the framework of team nursing based on internal night rotation and in accordance with the nursing philosophy of Ashford and St. Peter's Hospitals NHS Trust.
Qualifications
- NMC Registered
- Knowledge, skills and competency gained through substantial experience at a minimum of Band 5
- Management Course
Experience
- Managing a team
- Evidence of recent changes in nursing practice to improve patient care
- Competent team leader
- Previous Band 6 position in similar area
Knowledge
- NHS Constitution
- Trust vision, values, strategic objectives and key work programmes
- Team and Information Management
- Management of change
- Business planning
- IT and Presentation skills
- Understanding of HR process
Skills
- Must be able to demonstrate, in relation to people who use Trust and other related services
- You have knowledge & awareness of diversity and human rights and the competencies appropriate to your role to support their diverse needs and human rights
- You are able to communicate effectively with them and with other staff to ensure that their care, treatment and support are not compromised
- You have a good understanding of their communication, physical & emotional needs; can identify their individual needs and preferences, their changing needs and recognise and promote
- Venepuncture and cannulation
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.
Address
Ashford and St. Peters' NHS Foundation Trust
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full‑time
Reference number
323-NM6793-GK
Job locations
Ashford and St. Peters' NHS Foundation Trust
£40,617 to £48,778 a year per annum inc. HCAS