Job summary
The OCE provides specialised rehabilitation for individuals from 16 years of age following a neurological incident; the majority of our patients have suffered vascular or traumatic brain injuries as a result of head injury, stroke, subarachnoid haemorrhage or other forms of brain injury from infection or cardiorespiratory arrest.

This is a developing service and we are looking for staff with enthusiasm to provide high quality care to individuals in this setting.

The OCE Inpatient Ward admits patients for 3-6 months. We are a Level 1 Neuro-rehabilitation centre. During their admission, the multidisciplinary team uses a patient centred approach to patient care and supports patients and their families to give them the best opportunity to grow as individuals, regain independence and reintegrate back into society.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone to develop their clinical, leadership and management skills, and to make a difference to someone's life during this difficult adjustment period following a brain injury.

You will contribute to the smooth running of the unit, acting as a role model for junior staff and students, supporting the delivery of compassionate excellence. You will work closely with the ward sister and other members of the management team and will deputise for the ward sister in her absence.

Confident leadership and excellent communication skills are essential for this role, together with a genuine interest in Neuro Rehabilitation.

Main duties of the job
We are looking for a Band 6 Deputy Sister to join the OCE Neuro Rehabilitation Unit at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre site.

The Oxford Centre for Enablement is part of the Medicine, Rehabilitation and Cardiology Division; this is part of the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust.

The Oxford Centre of Enablement (OCE) provides both in-patient and out-patient services for patients with complex neurological disability.

You will need to have:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• A positive attitude
• An organised and methodical approach to work
• Ability to be flexible
• Able to work shift patterns including weekends
• Ability to work within a team but also use your own initiative
• A desire to provide high quality individualized/holistic care to individuals with disabilities

About us
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK's largest and most respected NHS teaching trusts, providing world-class healthcare across four hospitals: the John Radcliffe Hospital, Churchill Hospital, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre and Horton General Hospital and over one hundred satellite sites. Find out more information here OUH at a Glance 2026/27

You'll become part of an organisation at the forefront of patient care, research, education and innovation. You'll have access to excellent learning and development opportunities, work alongside highly skilled multidisciplinary teams, and contribute to services that make a real difference.

Our commitment to Delivering Compassionate Excellence is at the heart of everything we do. Guided by our values of compassion, respect, learning, delivery, improvement and excellence, we strive to create an environment where staff feel supported, valued and empowered to thrive. Watch how we set out to deliver compassionate excellence via the OUH YouTube channel and the OneTeamOneOUH - LIVING OUR VALUES video.

We are committed to creating an inclusive, respectful and safe workplace for everyone. As signatories to the NHS Sexual Safety Charter, we have a zero-tolerance approach to inappropriate behaviour and are dedicated to fostering a culture where all colleagues feel welcomed, respected and able to be themselves. We pledge zero tolerance for inappropriate sexual behaviour and commit to the ten core principles.

Job responsibilities
The successful applicant will be a senior member of the nursing team and will act as a role model to junior staff and clinical leader. You will assist in the day-to-day operational management of the ward, ensuring effective flow of patients. You will also lead a small team of nurses and nursing assistants with the support of the ward sister; ensuring your staff receive an annual appraisal, and guidance in their professional development. In return we can provide support, guidance, and excellent professional development opportunities. We believe in nurturing our staff and we will see you as our Ward Sister/Charge Nurses of the future we will support and encourage you to reach your full potential. Please refer to the full job description and person specification.

Essential

• Evidence of achievement on a Nursing and Midwifery (NMC) approved Mentorship qualification.
• Minimum of 3 years acute care registered nurse experience

Desirable

• Previous experience of managing clinical incidents and complaints.
• Present or completed evidence of level 7 nursing relevant to post

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. Apply through our website for further information.

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. Apply through our website for further information.

Location: Oxford
Reference number: 321-MRC-OCE-8292810-B6
Closing date: 01 November 2026