Job summaryThis post will be the interface between the Directorate Management Team and the front line maternity clinical staff, skillfully translating national, organisational and Directorate objectives into operational reality and leading their implementation across maternity services.
The post holder will be accountable for ensuring the highest standard of clinical care is provided within Maternity Services. They will be easily identifiable to clients and users, provide strong, visible leadership and have the appropriate level of authority to provide support, advice and assistance required by clients, their families and carers. Essential emphasis of the role is on the areas of Intrapartum care, Patient Experience, user engagement and Clinical Outcomes.
To provide strong clinical leadership and support to the Director of Midwifery in activities within the Care Group relating to the delivery of high-quality services which inspires, motivates and empowers midwives, and maternity support workers. To be able to resolve clinical issues quickly and effectively and to minimise any negative impact on the quality of care. To monitor the safety within maternity services by reviewing information and advising the Care Group Management Team when issues are identified. This will include involvement in maintaining activity levels, managing service pressures and maintaining the highest standards of care. The post holder will lead on delegated projects and agreed activities.
Main duties of the jobTo lead and embed robust maternity governance systems across all areas of the service, ensuring compliance with national safety standards, including CNST (Clinical Negligence Scheme for Trusts), Saving Babies' Lives Care Bundle and Perinatal Mortality Review Tool (PMRT) requirements. The post holder will provide assurance on quality, safety and risk through effective oversight of governance processes, ensuring learning is translated into measurable improvement in outcomes and experience.
About usRoyal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) is at the heart of acute and specialist care for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. We care for a population of around 470,000 people, a number that rises significantly during peak visitor seasons. We employ around 6,700 staff, united by a shared commitment to deliver safe, high-quality care. We provide services across three main hospital sites, with around 780 inpatient beds:
- Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro
- St Michael's Hospital in Hayle
- West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance
As a teaching hospital, we are proud to work in partnership with the University of Exeter Medical School, the University of Plymouth School of Nursing and Midwifery, and Peninsula Dental School, supporting the next generation of health professionals while continually strengthening our own services.
Education and lifelong learning are central to who we are. The Knowledge Spa, located on the Royal Cornwall Hospital site, is a vibrant hub for medical, nursing and professional education across clinical and non-clinical roles. It plays a vital role in attracting, developing and retaining highly skilled teams who support the care of more than half a million people every year.
We are driven by one clear ambition - Outstanding Care for One and All - care that's safe, kind and high-quality, for every patient and every staff member. We are RCHT.
Person SpecificationQualificationsEssential- Registered Midwife NMC
- First degree in Midwifery related subject (or equivalent)
- Masters qualification - or working towards
- Evidence of continuing post registration education and development
DesirableExperienceEssential- In-depth knowledge of maternity governance frameworks, including CNST requirements, PMRT, MBRRACE-UK reports and national maternity safety programmes
- Experience of leading incident investigations and embedding organisational learning
- Understanding of risk management systems and quality improvement methodologies
- Have substantial experience of managing a ward or team (at Band 7 level or above)
Desirable- Project management experience
- Patient experience initiatives
SkillsEssential- Clinically competent
- Good understanding of current issues and challenges (regional / national) relating to maternity services
Desirable- Quality improvement methodologies
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.UK RegistrationApplicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website. 
