Bristol NHS Foundation TrustHospital Director of NursingClosing date: 16 July 2026Job summaryReporting and functionally accountable to the Hospital Managing Director with a professional accountability to the Chief Nursing and Improvement Officer; the Hospital Director of Nursing (HDoN) will provide strong and effective clinical leadership and professional development to all nurses, midwives, AHPs and direct care staff across the Hospital.
The post holder will provide strong and effective clinical leadership and provide expert clinical advice to the Hospital Managing Director and Hospital Management Team members on all hospital clinical issues regarding nursing, midwifery and AHP professional matters.
In conjunction with the Hospital Managing Director and Chief Nursing and Improvement Officer the postholder will work to strengthen culture and collaboration across Bristol NHS Foundation Trust. As an inspirational leader, they will be instrumental in making a clear and visible difference to staff employed across the Trust, enabling the effective delivery of 'group clinical services' (GCS) and Joint corporate services for the benefit of our patients and staff. The HDoN will support the embedding of a one service approach for across the two Hospital Operating Units to ensure delivery of a high quality and professional service, working collaboratively across the organisation.
Main duties of the job- Work alongside the Hospital Medical Director to provide strategic leadership to clinicians across the Trust and in supporting and contributing to the development of Joint Clinical Strategy.
- Provide strong and effective clinical leadership and clinical advice to the Hospital Managing Director and Hospital Management Team on all clinical issues.
- Drive effective engagement of the nursing, midwifery and AHP workforce with transformational change and improvement programmes.
- Support colleagues with the development and engagement of clinicians and ensure that positive and productive relationships are built with across the Trust.
- Support the development of appropriate structures and arrangements for the Nursing, Midwifery and AHPs and Continuous Improvement functions.
- Identify opportunities to scale clinical services across the Trust, ensuring opportunities for de-duplication and economies of scale are optimised and benefits are realised.
- Provide professional leadership advice, support and coaching to the Divisional Directors of Nursing.
About usBristol NHS Foundation Trust (BFT) formed on 1 July 2026, bringing together North Bristol NHS Trust and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust.
BFT looks after people in Bristol, Weston, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset and across the South West. By working as one team, we can give better, more joined-up care.
We are one of the largest NHS hospital trusts in the UK. More than 28,000 staff care for over 1.5 million people each year, providing care 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
DetailsDate posted: 09 July 2026
Pay scheme: Very senior manager (VSM)
Salary: Depending on experience
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 339-CED1536-LC
Job locations: Southmead Hospital, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, BS10 5NB, United Kingdom
Job descriptionJob responsibilitiesFor a more detailed job description, main responsibilities, and Person Specification, please refer to the job description document attached to this vacancy.
Person SpecificationEducated to Level 7 (MSc) in a health-related subject or equivalent level of experienceEssential- Evidence of management leadership/training and continuous professional development
Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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.
Certificate of SponsorshipApplications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK RegistrationApplicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer contact detailsFor questions about the job, contact:Hospital Managing Director
Glyn Howells
glyn.howells@nbt.nhs.uk
Employer name: Bristol NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Southmead Hospital, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, BS10 5NB, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.nbt.nhs.uk/
